The Hamilton-Jacobi equation in domains of possible motions with a boundary (Q1060577)

The problem of the existence of solutions of the truncated Hamilton- Jacobi equation in the whole domain of possible motions with a boundary is investigated. Constraints on the topology of the domains of possible motions, in which the Hamilton-Jacobi equation is solvable in the large, are pointed out. In particular, the boundary cannot be connected. The existence of solutions in the whole domain of possible motions is obstructed by focal points at which infinitely close trajectories leaving the boundary intersect. A connection between the complete integral of the Hamilton-Jacobi equation and the particular solutions in the neighbourhood of the boundary is indicated.