On integrable Hamiltonians with velocity-dependent potentials (Q1766252): Difference between revisions

The author considers two-dimensional Hamiltonian systems with generalized Hamiltonian function (with velocity-dependent potentials). The purpose is to reinvestigate such systems trying to identify those admitting the existence of a polynomial in the momenta which is an independent second invariant both at arbitrary and fixed values of the known first invariant (the energy). The problem is presented in a general form determining a system of linear partial differential equations for the coefficients of the above-mentioned polynomial. Notions of the weak and strong integrability are introduced. Usually the solutions of the system are valid only on a given energy hyper-surface (this is the case of weak integrability). A condition for the conservation at arbitrary energy level (this is the case of strong integrability) puts a further constraint on the allowed solutions. Only linear polynomials are investigated in the paper. The general solution at arbitrary and fixed energy levels is studied, and it is shown that the equations of motion can be integrated by quadratures. The classical set of strongly integrable systems is recovered, and a detailed treatment of several weakly integrable systems is given.