| Abstract: | A number of problems of finding the shape of a thin curvilinear rod (the support element of an artificial lens) of constant cross-section and specified length with its ends at specified points and under specified loading conditions with maximum compliance for characteristic types of end restraint and loading are considered. It is shown that the boundary-value problem arising for the non-linear Euler equation may have a set (possibly denumerable) of solutions, one of which gives the absolute maximum compliance, and the others the local maxima. The problem is analysed in detail, analytical solutions are obtained and the corresponding shapes are constructed in a number of important cases. |
