Quasi-Lagrangian Systems of Newton Equations

Abstract

Systems of Newton equations of the form $\ddot{q}=-1/2A^{-1}(q)\nabla k$ with an integral of motion quadratic in velocities are studied. These equations generalize the potential case (when A=I, the identity matrix) and they admit a curious quasi-Lagrangian formulation which differs from the standard Lagrange equations by the plus sign between terms. A theory of such quasi-Lagrangian Newton (qLN) systems having two functionally independent integrals of motion is developed with focus on two-dimensional systems. Such systems admit a bi-Hamiltonian formulation and are proved to be completely integrable by embedding into five-dimensional integrable systems. They are characterized by a linear, second-order PDE which we call the fundamental equation. Fundamental equations are classified through linear pencils of matrices associated with qLN systems. The theory is illustrated by two classes of systems: separable potential systems and driven systems. New separation variables for driven systems are found. These variables are based on sets of non-confocal conics. An effective criterion for existence of a qLN formulation of a given system is formulated and applied to dynamical systems of the Henon-Heiles type.

50 pages including 9 figures. Uses epsfig package. To appear in J. Math. Phys

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