Integration via modification: a method of reduction of order for systems of ordinary differential equations (Q2495260)

A method of order reduction for systems of ordinary differential equations having a certain structure is given. For some systems, this approach even allows a complete integration. The method is based on establishing a Bäcklund transformation between an integrated modified system and an integrated version of the system under consideration. The originality of this approach lies in the application of ideas more familiar within the context of completely integrable partial differential equations to the question of order reduction of ordinary differential equations. The presented integration process was discussed within the context of a particular examples in former papers. At the present paper a general formulation of this approach is given. A variety of illustrative examples are given.