Is the Modified Hamilton-Jacobi Equation a Wave Equation?

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the Modified Hamilton-Jacobi Equation (HJE) and its classification as a wave equation. The equation presented is (\nabla S)^2=\frac{1}{u^2}(\frac{\partial S}{\partial t})^2, where u represents wave velocity in phase space. The confusion arises from the interpretation of the squares in both the modified HJE and the standard wave equation, \nabla^2S=\frac{1}{u^2}\frac{\partial^2}{\partial t^2}S. The reference to Nolting's Volume 2 and Wikipedia indicates a need for clarity on the nonlinear aspects of these equations.

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  • Understanding of Hamilton-Jacobi formalism in classical mechanics
  • Familiarity with wave equations and their mathematical representations
  • Knowledge of phase space concepts and action waves
  • Basic grasp of nonlinear differential equations
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  • Study the derivation of the Hamilton-Jacobi Equation in Nolting's Volume 2
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Physicists, mathematicians, and students studying classical mechanics, particularly those interested in wave phenomena and the Hamilton-Jacobi formalism.

Marin
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Hi all!

I was studying the HJ-formalism of classical mechanics when I came upon a modified HJE:

[tex](\nabla S)^2=\frac{1}{u^2}(\frac{\partial S}{\partial t})^2[/tex]

where

[tex]u=\frac{dr}{dt}[/tex]

and [tex]dr=(dx,dy,dz)[/tex] is the position vector.
(I read the derivation and it's ok)

Now, u is interpreted to be the wave velocity of the so called 'action waves' in phase space.

However, my book (Nolting, Volume 2) states that this is a wave equation, or at least a special nonlinear case of the popular wave equation

[tex]\nabla^2S=\frac{1}{u^2}\frac{\partial^2}{\partial t^2}S[/tex]

which is somehow unclear to me, as the squares in both equations mean different things.


A similar statement is also made in Wikipedia:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hamilton–Jacobi_equation

(cf. Eiconal apprpximation and relationship to the Schrödinger equation)


I hope someone of you can explain this to me :)

best regards,

marin
 
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Hmmm, haven't fould anything so far..

Any ideas left?
 

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