Action principles for the Vlasov equation: Four old, one new.

摘要

Action principles for the Vlasov equation are presented. Four previously known action principles, which differ by the choice of dynamical variables, are described and the interrelationship between them discussed. A new action principle called the leaf action, which manifestly preserves the Casimir invariants and possess a single function as the dynamical variable, is presented. The relationship to the noncanonical Hamiltonian formalism is also explored. 21 refs.