I The different generators of canonical transformations

AI Thread Summary
The discussion focuses on 1-parameter canonical transformations in the phase space of a one degree of freedom mechanical system, emphasizing the relationship between two generators of transformation: F and W. It highlights that F is defined through a specific function relating phase space coordinates and their derivatives, while W can be derived using Poisson brackets. A participant expresses difficulty finding references on this topic in standard mechanics texts and requests online resources. Another contributor mentions their understanding comes from Goldstein's mechanics textbook and references an old paper that generalizes the relationship between Hamilton's principal functions and the Hamiltonian. The conversation underscores the complexity of canonical transformations and the need for accessible resources.
andresB
Messages
625
Reaction score
374
Consider the phase space of a one degree of freedom mechanical system. We can pass from one phase space coordinates to another phase space coordinates via a canonical transformation. I want to focus on 1-parameter canonical transformations,
$$(q_{0},p_{0})\rightarrow(q_{\lambda},p_{\lambda})$$
where ##\lambda\in[0,\infty)## parametrize the transformation.

By the standard theory, there exist a function ##F=F_{1}(q_{0},q_{\lambda};\lambda)## such that
$$p_{0}\frac{dq_{0}}{dt}-H=p_{\lambda}\frac{dq_{\lambda}}{dt}-K+\frac{dF_{1}}{dt}.$$
##F## is called the generator of the transformation, and the following equation follows
$$p_{0} =\frac{\partial F_{1}}{\partial q_{0}},\qquad p_{\lambda}=-\frac{\partial F_{1}}{\partial q_{\lambda}}.$$

Now, also by standard theory, there exist a function ##W=W(q,p;\lambda)## such that the transformation can be obtained via the Poisson brackets using the equations
$$\frac{dq}{d\lambda} =\left\{ q,W\right\}, $$
$$\frac{dp}{d\lambda} =\left\{ p,W\right\}.$$
##W## is again sometimes called the generator of the transformation.

What is the relation between ##F## and ##W ##??
 
Physics news on Phys.org
andresB said:
Now, also by standard theory, there exist a function W=W(q,p;λ) such that the transformation can be obtained via the Poisson brackets using the equations
As a layman I do not find this transformation via the Poisson brackets in my text of mechanics. Could you show me some web reference if you know any ?
 
anuttarasammyak said:
As a layman I do not find this transformation via the Poisson brackets in my text of mechanics. Could you show me some web reference if you know any ?
I don't know any good online references. My knowledge of the topics comes from Goldstein 2nd edition, section 9.5.
 
  • Like
Likes anuttarasammyak
Consider an extremely long and perfectly calibrated scale. A car with a mass of 1000 kg is placed on it, and the scale registers this weight accurately. Now, suppose the car begins to move, reaching very high speeds. Neglecting air resistance and rolling friction, if the car attains, for example, a velocity of 500 km/h, will the scale still indicate a weight corresponding to 1000 kg, or will the measured value decrease as a result of the motion? In a second scenario, imagine a person with a...
Scalar and vector potentials in Coulomb gauge Assume Coulomb gauge so that $$\nabla \cdot \mathbf{A}=0.\tag{1}$$ The scalar potential ##\phi## is described by Poisson's equation $$\nabla^2 \phi = -\frac{\rho}{\varepsilon_0}\tag{2}$$ which has the instantaneous general solution given by $$\phi(\mathbf{r},t)=\frac{1}{4\pi\varepsilon_0}\int \frac{\rho(\mathbf{r}',t)}{|\mathbf{r}-\mathbf{r}'|}d^3r'.\tag{3}$$ In Coulomb gauge the vector potential ##\mathbf{A}## is given by...
Dear all, in an encounter of an infamous claim by Gerlich and Tscheuschner that the Greenhouse effect is inconsistent with the 2nd law of thermodynamics I came to a simple thought experiment which I wanted to share with you to check my understanding and brush up my knowledge. The thought experiment I tried to calculate through is as follows. I have a sphere (1) with radius ##r##, acting like a black body at a temperature of exactly ##T_1 = 500 K##. With Stefan-Boltzmann you can calculate...
Back
Top