How can the Hamilton-Jacobi equation be derived and solved?

  • Thread starter GleefulNihilism
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In summary, the conversation is discussing problems on a final exam and going over the Hamiltonian of a system. The Hamilton-Jacobi Equation is derived and a solution is found using a specific generator. The conversation also mentions another possible solution and the use of energy and an arbitrary constant.
  • #1
GleefulNihilism
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Well, I had a couple problems on my final I was hoping to go over- hope nobody minds. Here's the third.

Homework Statement


The Hamiltonian of the System is H = (1/2)*(p1*q2 + 2*p1*p2 + q1^2)
A.) Derive the Hamilton-Jacobi Equation
B.) Find the Solution.


Homework Equations


H = (q1, q1, . . ., qk , dS/dq1, dS/dq2, . . ., dS/dqk , t ) + dS/dt = 0 where S is the generator.


The Attempt at a Solution


Putting the Hamiltonian in proper formulation, it becomes.

(1/2)*(dS/dq1*q2 + 2*dS/dq1*dS/dq2 + q1^2)

So (1/2)*(dS/dq1*q2 + 2*dS/dq1*dS/dq2 + q1^2) + dS/dt = 0

B.

Let's try S = -q1^2 * t - q2^2 / 4

then (q2 / 2)*(-2*q1*t) + (-q2 / 2)*(-2*q1*t) + q1^2 + (-q1^2) = 0

Therefore S = -q1^2 * t - q2^2 / 4 + A is the generator, where A is a constant.

Let S = S2(q2) + S1(q1,t) + A as well.

Then (q2 / 2)*(dS1/dq1) + (dS1/dq1)*(dS2/dq2) + q1^2 + (dS1/dt) = 0

Dividing all terms by (dS1/dq1) creates:

(q2 / 2) + (dS2/dq2) + q1^2*(dS1/dq1)^-1 + (dS1/dt)*(dS1/dq1)^-1 = 0

(-q2 / 2) + (-dS2/dq2) = q1^2*(dS1/dq1)^-1 + (dS1/dt)*(dS1/dq1)^-1

Which can only be true in general if both sides are equal to a constant we'll call C.

(-q2 / 2) + (-dS2/dq2) = C implies dS2/dq2 = -(q2/2 + C). But from earlier we know that S2 = -q2^2 / 4.

So -q2 / 2 = -(q2 / 2 + C) and C = 0, q2 = q2

A similar argument with q1^2*(dS1/dq1)^-1 + (dS1/dt)*(dS1/dq1)^-1 = C creates:

q1^2*(dS1/dq1)^-1 + q1' = C implies (q1^2)/(C - q1') = dS1/dq1.

But from earlier we know S1 = -q1^2 * t so. . .

(q1^2)/(C - q1') = -2*q1*t, which is nasty- and I doubt it's separable.
 
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  • #2
Still no bites?

Well, I just want to know how the professor got these answers- don't think I need to be lead by the hand.

A.) (1/2)*( (dS0 / dq1)*q2 + 2*(dS0 / dq1)*(dS0 / dq2) + q1^2) = E

Where S(q,t) = -E*t + S0(q)

B.) S(q,t) = -E*t + (1/2a)*(2*E*q1 - q1^3 / 3) + (1/2)*(2*a*q2 - q2^2 / 2)

Where E is energy and a is an arbitrary constant.
 

Related to How can the Hamilton-Jacobi equation be derived and solved?

1. What is the Hamilton-Jacobi derivation?

The Hamilton-Jacobi derivation is a mathematical technique used to solve certain types of partial differential equations. It was developed by physicists William Rowan Hamilton and Carl Gustav Jacob Jacobi in the 19th century.

2. What types of problems can be solved using Hamilton-Jacobi derivation?

Hamilton-Jacobi derivation is commonly used to solve problems in mechanics, such as finding the optimal path for a particle moving under the influence of a potential field. It can also be applied to problems in optics and quantum mechanics.

3. How does Hamilton-Jacobi derivation differ from other methods of solving partial differential equations?

Unlike other methods, Hamilton-Jacobi derivation involves finding a solution that is independent of time, which is known as the Hamilton-Jacobi equation. This allows for a simpler solution to be obtained, as it reduces the number of variables that need to be considered.

4. What is the significance of the Hamilton-Jacobi equation?

The Hamilton-Jacobi equation is significant because it provides a way to calculate the action of a system, which is a fundamental quantity in classical mechanics. It also allows for the calculation of the Hamiltonian, which is a conserved quantity in certain types of physical systems.

5. What are the limitations of Hamilton-Jacobi derivation?

Hamilton-Jacobi derivation is limited to certain types of problems and cannot be applied to all partial differential equations. It also requires advanced mathematical knowledge and can be a complex and time-consuming process.

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