Hamilton-Jacobi theory


Hamilton-Jacobi theory

[′ham·əl·tən jə′kō·bē ‚thē·ə·rē] (mathematics) The study of the solutions of the Hamilton-Jacobi equation and the information they provide concerning solutions of the related systems of ordinary differential equations. (mechanics) A theory that provides a means for discussing the motion of a dynamic system in terms of a single partial differential equation of the first order, the Hamilton-Jacobi equation.