The structure theorem for the cut locus of a certain class of cylinders of revolution. I. (Q2339633)

The paper determines the cut locus of certain complete surfaces of revolution. The author assumes a complete surface of revolution diffeomorphic to a cylinder, with a symmetry of reflection in a particular parallel, with positive Gauss curvature on that parallel and decreasing away from it. On such a surface, the cut locus of every point contains the meridian opposite to that point. If the point is close enough to that particular parallel, then the cut locus also contains an interval of the parallel ``opposite'' in the reflective symmetry, and the interval is symmetric around the opposite meridian. If the point is farther away, then the cut locus is precisely the opposite meridian. The author provides a precise criterion for distinguishing these two cases, and determining the length of the interval in the first case, in terms of the Clairaut integral of motion.