GENERALIZED HAMILTONIAN DYNAMICS

GENERALIZED HAMILTONIAN DYNAMICS

August 1949 | P. A. M. DIRAC
This paper discusses generalized Hamiltonian dynamics, comparing the Lagrangian and Hamiltonian forms of classical mechanics. The Lagrangian form is more suitable for relativistic applications, while the Hamiltonian form is essential for quantum theory. The paper introduces a more general Hamiltonian dynamics that can handle cases where momenta are not independent functions of velocities. It defines strong and weak equations, distinguishing between those that hold exactly and those that hold approximately. The paper also introduces the concept of homogeneous velocities, where the Lagrangian is linear in velocities, leading to a simplified Hamiltonian formulation. It discusses the consistency conditions for the equations of motion and the role of first and second class constraints. The paper also explores transformations of the Hamiltonian form and its application to relativistic dynamics, where four first class constraints are needed to account for the four freedoms of motion in spacetime. The paper concludes by showing how the Hamiltonian can be transformed into a Lagrangian form, and how relativistic dynamics can be formulated using these generalized Hamiltonian methods.This paper discusses generalized Hamiltonian dynamics, comparing the Lagrangian and Hamiltonian forms of classical mechanics. The Lagrangian form is more suitable for relativistic applications, while the Hamiltonian form is essential for quantum theory. The paper introduces a more general Hamiltonian dynamics that can handle cases where momenta are not independent functions of velocities. It defines strong and weak equations, distinguishing between those that hold exactly and those that hold approximately. The paper also introduces the concept of homogeneous velocities, where the Lagrangian is linear in velocities, leading to a simplified Hamiltonian formulation. It discusses the consistency conditions for the equations of motion and the role of first and second class constraints. The paper also explores transformations of the Hamiltonian form and its application to relativistic dynamics, where four first class constraints are needed to account for the four freedoms of motion in spacetime. The paper concludes by showing how the Hamiltonian can be transformed into a Lagrangian form, and how relativistic dynamics can be formulated using these generalized Hamiltonian methods.
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