Partial differential equations with differential constraints (Q2576904)

This paper is devoted to systems of 2nd order PDEs subjected to differential constraints. The author considers dynamical forms and their Lepage classes on a jet prolongation of a smooth bundle \(\pi:Y\to X\) as a systems of 2nd order PDEs. Thus a solutions of these systems are integral sections of corresponding exterior differential systems. It is shown that variational equations can be represented in this way. The author considers a subbundle of the bundle \(\pi_{1,\,0}:J^1\pi\to Y\) as a differential constraint. It is shown that a constraint satisfying some regular condition is endowed by a canonical distribution. By the constrained system associated with a considering system of 2nd order PDEs the author means the restriction of the Lepage class of this system to constraint. Constrained Lagrangian systems are discussed. Different kinds of constraints are introduced and investigated.