Hamilton’s variational principle in dynamics is slightly reminiscent of the principle of virtual work in statics. When using the principle of virtual work in statics we imagine starting from an equili...Hamilton’s variational principle in dynamics is slightly reminiscent of the principle of virtual work in statics. When using the principle of virtual work in statics we imagine starting from an equilibrium position, and then increasing one of the coordinates infinitesimally. We calculate the virtual work done and set it to zero. I am slightly reminded of this when discussing Hamilton’s principle in dynamics
