ill-posed meshfree problem

Hi,

I'm looking to solve a problem in which although the position of a boundary or force-generating constraint is not known, the distance between the constraint and one other (usually a "neighbouring" particle -- whatever neighbour means ;) ) is known.

After much thought, I've concluded that the problem is a constrained energy-minimization problem. In other words, I need to find the arrangment of the particles such that the strain energy of the system is minimized and while constraint between the nodes is satisfied.

I'd like to know if (1) this is the proper approach to the problem (2) there are any publications addressing such problems.

Thanks

- Olumide

 Edit: I'd like to add that I'm still new to the subject of meshfree deformations.