Parameter variation for the solution of two-point boundary-value problems and applications in the calculus of variations

Abstract

In the parameter variation method, a scalar parameterk, ke[0, 1], is introduced into the differential equations. The parameterk is inserted in such a way that, whenk=0, the solution of the boundary-value problem is known or readily calculated and, whenk=1, the problem is identical with the original problem. Thus, bydeforming the solution step-by-step throughk-space fromk=0 tok=1, the original problem may be solved. These solutions then provide good starting values for any convergent, iterative scheme such as the Newton-Raphson method.