Representation for a smooth isometric mapping from a connected planar domain to a surface (Q2343282)

The aim of the study is to formulate and prove an existence theorem for a smooth isometric mapping of a flat domain in the 2D space into a surface in the 3D space. This mapping exists only if certain conditions are satisfied. The authors summarize them and show their necessity and sufficiency. The formulation and subsequent argumentation look rather complicated at first view, nevertheless it becomes transparent realizing analogy with the theory of curves in evolvable surfaces. Anyway the paper presents an important contribution having quite a large potential of application in nonlinear dynamics of MDOF systems. It regards namely the ``nonlinear normal modes procedure'', where the planar invariant or center manifold of main vibration components is to be projected into the tangential spatial surface in the neighborhood of the relevant fixed point. It seems to be particularly useful in case of induced internal resonances when the center manifold is to be constructed due to occurrence of homoclinic orbits. One could regret that no literature resources are given and discussed. At least some basic references concerning differential topology (embeddings) and maybe differentiable manifolds would be useful in order to present the relations of the topic discussed with other developments in topology and maybe with some adequate applications. The paper is a part of the special invited collection on the mechanics of Ribbons and Möbius Bands published in this issue. This special issue provides a homogeneous thematic collection being worth reading.