Third-order ODEs and four-dimensional split signature Einstein metrics (Q2581861)

From mathematical point of view, the construction of Einstein's metrics leads to the following problem: Given two third-order ordinary differential equations (ODE), say \(y'''= F(x,y,y',y'')\) and \(z'''= G(\overline x,z,z',z'')\), find fiber preserving transformations of the form \(\overline x=\overline x(x)\), \(z= z(x,y)\), taking the first equation into the second one. Cartan's method based on Pfaffian systems is applied and the desired metrics are constructed in detail. Moreover, under adequate assumptions, the uniqueness is also obtained. An alternate method of solution is considered, based on Cartan's connection concept. The construction is achieved for various particular types of ODEs, and some interesting auxiliary concepts are discussed.