Lie symmetries of the Lorenz model (Q753223)

For the following flow in \({\mathbb{R}}^ 3\) (Lorenz model) \(x_ t=\sigma (y-x)\), \(y_ t=-xz+rz-y\), \(z_ t=xy-bz\) the authors study those parameter values \(\sigma\), r, b such that the flow has more than the obvious Lie symmetries. The richest case turns out to be \(\sigma =1/2\), \(b=1\), \(r=0\), where a Lie symmetry S is found which is functionally independent of the flow itself. Since S has zero divergence the authors can construct a closed two-form \(\omega\) which is conformally invariant under the flow. This form gives rise to hamiltonian structure on the reduced manifolds defined by the foliation with respect to some conservation law. Hence for these values for \(\sigma\), r, b the flow is completely integrable. In addition to that case other special parameter sets are found where the equations are partially integrable, i.e where one conserved quantity is found or, equivalently, a symmetry which is functionally dependent of the flow. The relation to Painlevé analysis for this equation is discussed.