Relative equilibria in systems with configuration space isotropy

Abstract

We present a framework for studying Lagrangian and Hamiltonian systems with symmetries, near points with configuration space isotropy. We use twisted parametrisations corresponding to phase space slices based at zero points of (co-)tangent fibres. Given a hyperregular Lagrangian, we find a Legendre transform in the twisted coordinates. For simple mechanical systems, we state necessary and sufficient conditions for the existence of relative equilibria in terms of an augmented-amended potential.