How to Solve Hamilton-Jacobi Equation for a Particle in a Given Potential Field?

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on solving the Hamilton-Jacobi equation for a particle in a potential field defined as U(𝑟) = (mω/2)(x² + y²). The user attempts to derive the motion equations and trajectory using the Hamiltonian H = E = (1/2m)(pₓ² + pᵧ²) + (mω/2)(x² + y²). The user expresses confusion regarding the relationship between generalized momenta and the abbreviated action S₀, particularly whether to use pᵢ = ∂S₀/∂qᵢ or another form. The discussion highlights the need for clarity on applying the Hamilton-Jacobi method and the use of Poisson brackets in this context.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Hamilton-Jacobi equation
  • Familiarity with classical mechanics concepts
  • Knowledge of generalized coordinates and momenta
  • Proficiency in calculus, particularly partial derivatives
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the derivation of the Hamilton-Jacobi equation in classical mechanics
  • Learn about the application of Poisson brackets in Hamiltonian mechanics
  • Explore examples of Hamilton-Jacobi problems in different coordinate systems
  • Investigate the implications of potential energy terms in Hamiltonian systems
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Students and self-learners in classical mechanics, particularly those preparing for exams in advanced physics topics, will benefit from this discussion. It is also valuable for educators seeking to clarify the Hamilton-Jacobi method and its applications.

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Homework Statement


Using Hamilton-Jacobi's equation, find the motion equations and the trajectory of a particle in the field U (\vec r )=\frac{m \omega}{2} (x^2+y^2).

Homework Equations


H(q_1,...q_s,\frac{\partial S _0}{\partial q_1},...,\frac{\partial S _0}{\partial q_s})=E.
Where S_0 is the abbreviated action, apparently worth \int \sum _i p_i dq_i.

The Attempt at a Solution


I'm self studying CM for a final exam on 7th of March (I can choose not to take the exam if I feel not ready but this would be a pain for the next semester). I've searched google and this forum for similar problems but didn't find anything that could really help me. What I found was heavy abstract math rather than applied problems like this one.
Ok my attempt: I don't know if I can assume that the motion is in 3 dimensions or 2. Let's take 2 for the sake of simplicity.
I use Cartesian coordinates so that the velocity is \dot {\vec r }=\dot x \hat i + \dot y \hat j. Thus the total energy of the system is worth \frac{m (\dot x ^2 + \dot y ^2 )}{2}+\frac{m \omega}{2} (x^2+y^2).
The Hamiltonian is then H=E=\frac{1}{2m} (p_x ^2+ p_y ^2)+\frac{m \omega }{2}(x^2+y^2).
This is where I'm stuck. It looks like I must express the generalized momenta into the abbreviated actions, but I don't know how to do so. Any tip is greatly appreciated!
 
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use the poisson brackets
 
sgd37 said:
use the poisson brackets
Thanks for your reply.
Somehow I don't see how this can help me. I'd appreciate if you could specify a bit more.
I've checked into http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hamilton–Jacobi_equation (there are several examples), in Landau's book and in Goldstein's book. None seems to involve any Poisson bracket.
I am not 100% sure, but it seems that from E=\frac{1}{2m} (p_x ^2+ p_y ^2)+\frac{m \omega }{2}(x^2+y^2) I can replace p_i by \frac{\partial S _0 }{\partial q_i}. I doubt if it shouldn't be \frac{\partial S }{\partial q_i} or \frac{\partial S _i }{\partial q_i} instead.


This would make \frac{1}{2m} \left [ \left ( \frac{\partial S _0}{\partial x} \right )^2+\left ( \frac{\partial S _0}{\partial y} \right )^2 \right ] +\frac{m\omega (x^2+y^2) }{2}=E. I don't know what to do next. Should I solve for S?

Wikipedia takes the example of a particle in spherical coordinates. Laudau threats the same problem. However Landau totally depreciated a term in the potential function "because it's not interesting physically" or something like that. Wikipedia however do not simply get rid of a term because it's of few interest. I really don't understand what to do next...
 

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