Introduction to the questions and applications of variational calculus, analytical solution methods
classical examples (catenary curve, minimal surfaces), Euler-Lagrange equation, classical solution theory (via differential equations, "indirect method"), existence and uniqueness theory ("direct solution method", Tonelli's program), constrained problems, obstacle problems, variational inequalities, non-convex functionals, saddle point problems
oral exam
Not necessary
partial differential equations, functional analysis
