Skip to main content
Log in

Finsler Geodesics of Lagrangian Systems Through Routh Reduction

  • Published:
Mediterranean Journal of Mathematics Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

We make use of a symmetry reduction technique called Routh reduction to show that the solutions of the Euler–Lagrange equations of a strongly convex autonomous Lagrangian which lie on a specific energy level can be thought of as geodesics of an associated Finsler function.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Similar content being viewed by others

References

  1. Abraham, R., Marsden, J.E.: Foundations of Mechanics. Benjamin/Cummings Publishing Co. (1978)

  2. Arnold, V.I.: Mathematical Methods of Classical Mechanics. Springer, Berlin (1978)

  3. Bao, D., Chern, S.-S., Shen, Z.: An Introduction to Riemann–Finsler Geometry. Springer, Berlin (2000)

  4. Bucataru I., Muzsnay Z.: Projective metrizability and formal integrability. SIGMA 7, 114 (2011)

    MathSciNet  MATH  Google Scholar 

  5. Cheng W.: Generalized Maupertuis’ principle with applications. Acta Math. Sin. (Engl. Ser.) 28, 2153–2160 (2012)

    Article  MathSciNet  MATH  Google Scholar 

  6. Crampin M.: The second variation formula in Lagrange and Finsler geometry. Houston J. Math. 26, 255–276 (2000)

    MathSciNet  MATH  Google Scholar 

  7. Crampin, M., Mestdag, T.: Routh’s procedure for non-Abelian symmetry groups. J. Math. Phys. 49, 032901 (2008)

  8. Crampin M., Mestdag T.: A class of Finsler surfaces whose geodesics are circles. Publ. Math. (Debrecen) 84, 3–16 (2014)

    Article  MathSciNet  MATH  Google Scholar 

  9. Crampin M., Mestdag T., Saunders D.J.: The multiplier approach to the projective Finsler metrizability problem. Differ. Geom. Appl. 30, 604–621 (2012)

    Article  MathSciNet  MATH  Google Scholar 

  10. Contreras G., Iturriaga R., Paternain G.P., Paternain M.: Lagrangian graphs, minimizing measures and Mañé’s critical values. Geom. Funct. Anal. 8, 788–809 (1998)

    Article  MathSciNet  MATH  Google Scholar 

  11. de Leon, M., Rodrigues, P.R.: Methods of Differential Geometry in Analytical Mechanics. North-Holland Publishing Co., Amsterdam (1989)

  12. Gonzalez Leon, M.A., Hernandez Pastora, J.L.: On the Jacobi-metric stability criterion. In: Proceedings of the XV International Workshop on Geometry and Physics. Puerto de la Cruz, Tenerife (2006)

  13. Iturriaga R., Sánchez-Morgado H.: Finsler metrics and action potentials. Proc. Am. Math. Soc. 128, 3311–3316 (2000)

    Article  MathSciNet  MATH  Google Scholar 

  14. Koiller J.: Reduction of some classical non-holonomic systems with symmetry. Arch. Ration. Mech. Anal. 118, 113–148 (1992)

    Article  MathSciNet  MATH  Google Scholar 

  15. Langerock B., García-Toraño Andrés E., Cantrijn F.: Routh reduction and the class of magnetic Lagrangian systems. J. Math. Phys. 53, 062902 (2012)

    Article  MathSciNet  MATH  Google Scholar 

  16. Marsden J.E., Ratiu T., Scheurle J.: Reduction theory and the Lagrange–Routh equations. J. Math. Phys. 41, 3379–3429 (2000)

    Article  MathSciNet  MATH  Google Scholar 

  17. Thompson G.: Variational connections on Lie groups. Differ. Geom. Appl 18, 255–270 (2003)

    Article  MathSciNet  MATH  Google Scholar 

  18. Routh, E.J.: A Treatise on the Stability of a Given State of Motion. MacMillan, google.books.com (1877)

  19. Szilasi, J., Lovas, R.L., Kertész, D.Cs.: Connections, Sprays and Finsler Structures. World Scientific, Singapore (2014)

  20. Yasuda H.: On Finsler geometry and analytical dynamics. Tensor (N.S.) 35, 63–72 (1981)

    MathSciNet  MATH  Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

Authors

Corresponding author

Correspondence to T. Mestdag.

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Check for updates. Verify currency and authenticity via CrossMark

Cite this article

Mestdag, T. Finsler Geodesics of Lagrangian Systems Through Routh Reduction. Mediterr. J. Math. 13, 825–839 (2016). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00009-014-0505-z

Download citation

  • Received:

  • Accepted:

  • Published:

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00009-014-0505-z

Mathematics Subject Classification

Keywords

Navigation