Structural aspects of Hamilton–Jacobi theory

In our previous papers [J. F. Cariñena, X. Gràcia, G. Marmo, E. Martínez, M. C. Muñoz-Lecanda and N. Román-Roy, Geometric Hamilton–Jacobi theory, Int. J. Geom. Meth. Mod. Phys. 3 (2006) 1417–1458; Geometric Hamilton–Jacobi theory for nonholonomic dynamical systems, Int. J. Geom. Meth. Mod. Phys. 7 (2010) 431–454] we showed that the Hamilton–Jacobi problem can be regarded as a way to describe a given dynamics on a phase space manifold in terms of a family of dynamics on a lower-dimensional manifold. We also showed how constants of the motion help to solve the Hamilton–Jacobi equation. Here we want to delve into this interpretation by considering the most general case: a dynamical system on a manifold that is described in terms of a family of dynamics (slicing vector fields) on lower-dimensional manifolds. We identify the relevant geometric structures that lead from this decomposition of the dynamics to the classical Hamilton–Jacobi theory, by considering special cases like fibered manifolds and Hamiltonian dynamics, in the symplectic framework and the Poisson one. We also show how a set of functions on a tangent bundle can determine a second-order dynamics for which they are constants of the motion.

Topology and Bifurcations in Nonholonomic Mechanics

This paper develops topological methods for qualitative analysis of the behavior of nonholonomic dynamical systems. Their application is illustrated by considering a new integrable system of nonholonomic mechanics, called a nonholonomic hinge. Although this system is nonholonomic, it can be represented in Hamiltonian form with a Lie–Poisson bracket of rank two. This Lie–Poisson bracket is used to perform stability analysis of fixed points. In addition, all possible types of integral manifolds are found and a classification of trajectories on them is presented.

GEOMETRIC HAMILTON–JACOBI THEORY FOR NONHOLONOMIC DYNAMICAL SYSTEMS

The geometric formulation of Hamilton–Jacobi theory for systems with nonholonomic constraints is developed, following the ideas of the authors in previous papers. The relation between the solutions of the Hamilton–Jacobi problem with the symplectic structure defined from the Lagrangian function and the constraints is studied. The concept of complete solutions and their relationship with constants of motion, are also studied in detail. Local expressions using quasivelocities are provided. As an example, the nonholonomic free particle is considered.