SubRiemannian geodesics for Carnot groups of step 3

Abstract

In Carnot groups of step 3, all subriemannian geodesics are proved to be normal. The proof is based on a reduction argument and the Goh condition for minimality of singular curves. The Goh condition is deduced from a reformulation and a calculus of the end-point mapping which boils down to the graded structures of Carnot groups.

15 pages preprint. to appear on ESAIM: COCV. Some errors are corrected according to the referee's suggestion