Optimal control theory and Newton–Euler formalism for Cosserat beam theory

A Newton–Euler formalism is derived for Cosserat beam theory in a purely deductive manner, thanks to an analogy with optimal control theory. The method relies upon joint use of Gauss least constraint principle, Appell's equations and optimal control theory, that was used successfully in a previous work for the classical case of discrete Newton–Euler backward and forward recursions of multibody systems. To cite this article: G. Le Vey, C. R. Mecanique 334 (2006).