First integrals and families of symmetric periodic motions of a reversible mechanical system

Abstract

A reversible mechanical system which allows of first integrals is studied. It is established that, for symmetric motions, the constants of the asymmetric integrals are equal to zero. The form of the integrals of a reversible linear periodic system corresponding to zero characteristic exponents and the structure of the corresponding Jordan Boxes are investigated. A theorem on the non-existence of an additional first integral and a theorem on the structural stabilities of having a symmetric periodic motion (SPM) are proved for a system with m symmetric and k asymmetric integrals. The dependence of the period of a SPM on the constants of the integrals is investigated. Results of the oscillations of a quasilinear system in degenerate cases are presented. Degeneracy and the principal resonance: bifurcation with the disappearance of the SPM and the birth of two asymmetric cycles, are investigated. A heavy rigid body with a single fixed point is studied as the application of the results obtained. The Euler-Poisson equations are used. In the general case, the energy integral and the geometric integral are symmetric while the angular momentum integral turns out to be asymmetric. In the special case, when the centre of gravity of the body lies in the principal plane of the ellipsoid of inertia, all three classical integrals become symmetric. It is ascertained here that any SPM of a body contains four zero characteristic exponents, of which two are simple and two form a Jordan Box. In typical situation, the remaining two characteristic exponents are not equal to zero. All of the above enables one to speak of an SPM belonging to a two-parameter family and the absence of an additional first integral. It is established that a body also executes a pendulum motion in the case when the centre of gravity is close to the principal plane of the ellipsoid of inertia.