On a geometrical interpretation of differential-algebraic equations (Q2640034)

The author considers that further progress in global, as well as in computational, analysis of lumped physical systems can be achieved by a close interaction of two mathematical concepts. These concepts are, on one hand, differential-algebraic equations (DAEs) and, on the other hand, vector fields on manifolds. In the paper he formulates conditions under which a DAE is equivalent to a vector field and vice versa. He also introduces the definition of the index for a regular DAE and states a method for reduction of higher-index DAEs to lower-index ones that can be solved without introducing additional constants of integration. It is shown that any vector field can be realized by a regular DAE.