Above equations (1) and (2) define an isoperimetric problem in the calculus of variations with a mobile upper limit. The total energy K. is to be minimized and the resulting differential equation (the "solution") will itself be solved to provide a fundamental design formula, or expression. This expression will be critical both in the analysis of systematic errors engendered by net residual acceleration (all sources combined), and in the synthesis of diffraction-limited optical surface figures by designing masses (shapes, sizes and positions) which will deviate the optical surfaces slightly by gravitational attraction. Minimization of K can be facilitated by introduction of the "Bond Number" (dimensionless physico-chemical constant characteristic of the system): Applying standard techniques of the variational calculus, Li found the differential equation Li's solution for ordinate (height) z(x) of the meniscus surface at a lateral distance x(abscissa) from the vertex, was the infinite series,
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