Point symmetries of the Euler–Lagrange equations

We give an elementary derivation of the equations for the point symmetries of the Euler–Lagrange equations for a Lagrangian of a system with a finite number of degrees of freedom. We show that given a divergence symmetry of a Lagrangian, there exists an equivalent Lagrangian that is strictly invaria...

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Detalles Bibliográficos
Autor: G.F. Torres del Castillo
Tipo de recurso: artículo
Estado:Versión publicada
Fecha de publicación:2014
País:México
Institución:Benemérita Universidad Autónoma de Puebla
Repositorio:Redalyc-BUAP
OAI Identifier:oai:redalyc.org:57031047006
Acceso en línea:https://www.redalyc.org/articulo.oa?id=57031047006
Access Level:acceso abierto
Palabra clave:Física, Astronomía y Matemáticas
symmetries
Lagrangians
constants of motion
Hamiltonian formalism
equivalent Lagrangians
Descripción
Sumario:We give an elementary derivation of the equations for the point symmetries of the Euler–Lagrange equations for a Lagrangian of a system with a finite number of degrees of freedom. We show that given a divergence symmetry of a Lagrangian, there exists an equivalent Lagrangian that is strictly invariant under that transformation. The corresponding description in the Hamiltonian formalism is also investigated.