Symmetry and reduction in implicit generalized Hamiltonian systems (Q5933510)

The authors systematically investigate the symmetries of implicit generalized Hamiltonian systems within the framework of Dirac structures. In more detail: Let \(T{\mathcal X}(T^* {\mathcal X})\) be the space of vector fields (differential 1-forms) on a manifold \(\mathcal X\). For a linear subspace \(D\) of the space of all couples \((X,\alpha)\), where \(x\in T{\mathcal X}\) and \(\alpha\in T^*{\mathcal X}\), let \(D^\perp\) be the subspace of all couples \((Y,\beta)\) satisfying \(\alpha(Y)+\beta(X)=0\). We speak of a generalized Dirac structure if \(D=D^\perp\) and of a closed Dirac structure if moreover \(({\mathcal L}_X\beta)(Z)+({\mathcal L}_Y\gamma)(X)+({\mathcal L}_Z\alpha)(Y)=0\) for all \((X,\alpha)\), \((Y,\beta)\), \((Z,\gamma)\in D\). The implicit generalized Hamiltonian system is introduced by \(dH(dx/dt)\in D\), where \(H\) is a smooth function on \(\mathcal X\) and \(D\) a Dirac structure. (This involves the constrained Hamiltonian systems as a particular case.) A vector field \(f\in T{\mathcal X}\) is called a symmetry of a generalized Dirac structure \(D\) if \(({\mathcal L}_fX,{\mathcal L}_f\alpha)\in D\) for every \((X,\alpha)\in D\). With these fundamental concepts available, the classical Noether theory of symmetries, including the reductions of the Hamiltonian equations with respect to a Lie group, can be carried over the constrained mechanical systems. The paper provides a clear introduction into the Dirac theory together with many new and very remarkable results.