Hamilton–Jacobi solution method
Hamilton's principal function satisfies ∂_tS+H(q,∂_qS,t)=0.
Key knowledge
Hamilton's principal function satisfies ∂_tS+H(q,∂_qS,t)=0. A locally complete solution S(q,α,t) supplies p_i=∂_q_iS and constant β_i=∂_α_iS; solving these relations gives the trajectories. For fixed H, a separated solution S=W(q,α)−Et obeys H(q,∂_qW)=E.
Values and equations
∂_tS+H(q,∂_qS,t)=0; p_i=∂_q_iS; β_i=∂_α_iS; S=W−Et
- S,W
- Principal/characteristic action functions J s
- H,E
- Hamiltonian/constant energy J
- q_i,p_i
- Canonical coordinate and momentum
- α_i,β_i
- Independent canonical integration constants; product unit J s
- t
- Time s
Conditions and scope
- A differentiable complete integral with locally invertible mixed derivative ∂²S/(∂q∂α), regular canonical dynamics and a domain without unresolved caustic/multibranch complications.
- Finding a complete integral is a method, not a guarantee of global integrability for arbitrary many-body or chaotic systems.
Sources · 1
References
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Evidence and review
Classical Mechanics III 8.09 (2014): Chapter 4: §4.4 printed pages 72–73 equations 4.103–4.111, and printed page 76 equation 4.130: complete integral, trajectory inversion and time-independent separation.
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Entry details
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