A numerical solution of problems in calculus of variation using direct method and nonclassical parameterization

In this paper a direct method for solving variational problems using nonclassical parameterization is presented. A nonclassical parameterization based on nonclassical orthogonal polynomials is first introduced to reduce a variational problem to a nonlinear mathematical programming problem. Then, using the Lagrange multiplier technique the problem is converted to that of solving a system of algebraic equations. Illustrative examples are given to demonstrate the validity and applicability of the technique.