Higher Order Systems

This book is the first to present an overview of higher-order Hamilton geometry with applications to higher-order Hamiltonian mechanics. It is a direct continuation of the book The Geometry of Hamilton and Lagrange Spaces, (Kluwer Academic Publishers, 2001). It contains the general theory of higher order Hamilton spaces H(k)n, k>=1, semisprays, the canonical nonlinear connection, the N-linear metrical connection and their structure equations, and the Riemannian almost contact metrical model of these spaces. In addition, the volume also describes new developments such as variational principles for higher order Hamiltonians; Hamilton-Jacobi equations; higher order energies and law of conservation; Noether symmetries; Hamilton subspaces of order k and their fundamental equations. The duality, via Legendre transformation, between Hamilton spaces of order k and Lagrange spaces of the same order is pointed out. Also, the geometry of Cartan spaces of order k =1 is investigated in detail. This theory is useful in the construction of geometrical models in theoretical physics, mechanics, dynamical systems, optimal control, biology, economy etc.