Linearization of two second-order ordinary differential equations via fiber preserving point transformations (Q410608)

Summary: The necessary form of a linearizable system of two second-order ordinary differential equations \(y''_1 = f_1 (x, y_1, y_2, y'_1, y'_2),~ y''_2 = f_2 (x, y_1, y_2, y'_1, y'_2)\) is obtained. Some other necessary conditions are also found. The main problem studied in the paper is to obtain criteria for a system to be equivalent to a linear system with constant coefficients under fiber preserving transformations. A linear system with constant coefficients is chosen because of its simplicity in finding the general solution. Examples demonstrating the procedure of using the linearization theorems are presented.