VARIATIONAL SEQUENCE IN HIGHER ORDER MECHANICS

Jana Musilov 

1991 Math. Subject Classification: 49Fxx, 58Axx, 58Exx, 70Gxx.

Key words: Fibered manifold, r-jet prolongation,
        contact form, variational sequence, Lagrangian,
        Euler-Lagrange mapping, Helmholtz-Sonin conditions of
        variationality.

Abstract: The variational sequence in higher order mechanics is
considered. Explicit coordinate formulas for factorization mappings and
quotient mappings for the first three columns are determined
which includes the total derivative, Euler -- Lagrange and
Helmholtz -- Sonin mappings.