Extension of Noether's theorem to constrained non-conservative dynamical systems (Q1090115)

The paper is centered on an extension of Noether's theorem that is conventionally considered as a good means for construction of the first integrals of dynamical systems. On the basis of a differential variational principle the authors give a new derivation of Noether's theorem. This allows them to extend the theorem to non-conservative dynamical systems and to construct their first integrals. In addition, the influence of holonomic and non-holonomic constraints on the statement of Noether's theorem is investigated. The converse of Noether's theorem is considered for both the Emden equation, and the damped harmonic oscillator. The inverse theorem is then applied to generate the symmetries of the system from the knowledge of their Lagrangians as well as their first integrals. To author's mind the present derivation of Noether's theorem will be widely applied to technological problems, in particular those involving the stability of dynamical systems.