Characteristic spectra of the curvature functional: A numerical study in bifurcation

A method is described for the eigenanalysis of piecewise smooth C-2 extremu m-energy curves. Typical interpolants are investigated within the framework of their eigensystems, and conclusions are presented concerning their natu ral modes of vibration, stability state, and limits of existence. In the present discussion the word "spline" means exclusively an interpolat ing elastica.