Variational Sequences in Mechanics on Grassmann Fibrations

Extension of the variational sequence theory in mechanics to the first order Grassmann fibrations of 1-dimensional submanifolds is presented. The correspondence with the variational theory of parameter-invariant problems on manifolds is discussed in terms of the theory of jets (slit tangent bundles) and contact elements. In particular, the Helmholtz expressions for parameter-invariant variational problems, measuring local variationality of differential forms and differential equations, are given in the canonical and adapted coordinates. The methods can easily be extended to higher order variational problems.