Elastica theory

  The elastica theory is a theory of mechanics of solid materials developed by Euler that allows for very large scale elastic deflections of structures. Euler (1744) and Jakob Bernoulli developed the theory for elastic lines and studied buckling. Certain situations can be solved exactly by elliptic functions. Later elastica theory was generalized by F. and E. Cosserat into a geometric theory with intrinsic directions at each point (1907).

Additional recommended knowledge

Recognize and detect the effects of electrostatic charges on your balance

Essential Laboratory Skills Guide

Weighing the right way

Elastica theory is an example of bifurcation theory. For most boundary conditions several solutions exist simultaneously.