On the classification of projectively flat Finsler metrics with constant flag curvature (Q2445854)

A Finsler space is called locally projectively flat if for any point there exists a local coordinate system such that the geodesics of the metric are straight lines. The essential part of Hilbert's fourth problem is to characterize locally projectively flat Finsler metrics. On the other hand, flag curvature is the natural generalization of sectional curvature in Riemannian geometry. It is very important to classify Finsler metrics with constant flag curvature. In the present paper, the author considers the problem of classifying projectively flat Finsler metrics of constant flag curvature. It is proved that locally those metrics are totally determined by their behaviors at the origin of the coordinate system. The classification of the cases \(K=0\), \(K=-1\) and \(K=1\) is given by algebraic methods. Moreover, the author also constructs new examples of projectively flat Finsler spaces with constant flag curvature \(K=1\), whose corresponding Minkowski norm at the origin is the double square root at the origin.