Force and moment balance equations for geometric variational problems on curves

Abstract

We consider geometric variational problems for a functional defined on a curve in three-dimensional space. The functional is assumed to be written in a form invariant under the group of Euclidean motions. We present the Euler-Lagrange equations as equilibrium equations for the internal force and moment. Classical as well as new examples are discussed to illustrate our approach. This new form of the equations particularly serves to promote the study of bio- and nanofilaments.