On the method of Lagrange multiplier and others

The fundamentals for the correct use of the method of Lagrange multiplier are presented and illustrated by examples. Some misunderstandings of the method are clarified. Equivalent variational principles are defined. It is pointed out that for a given problem of mechanics, there may be many equivalent and unequivalent variational principles. The functional of the so called generalized variational principles of elasticity with more general forms^[16] are linear combinations of the well known functionals given by Reissner and Hu-Washizu.