Hamiltonian Systems 1

A.Y. 2024/2025
9
Max ECTS
73
Overall hours
SSD
MAT/07
Language
Italian
Learning objectives
The main goals of this course are: to provide the basis of Hamiltonian formalism in Classical Mechanics; to provide an introduction to perturbation theory for almost-integrable systems; to illustrate, by means of Lab sessions, some numerical methods for problems arising from Mechanics.
Expected learning outcomes
The student will be able to use the Hamiltonian formalism in the description and analysis of dynamical systems; to apply the main theorems about the dynamics of Hamiltonian systems, or their study; to use perturbation theory techniques in the Hamiltonian case.
Single course

This course can be attended as a single course.

Course syllabus and organization

Single session

Responsible
Lesson period
First semester
Prerequisites for admission
Solid knowledge of Lagrangian mechanics is advised.
Assessment methods and Criteria
The final examination consists of an oral exam for the first part, and of the evaluation of all the activities performed during the lab sessions for the second module; if such an ongoing evaluation of the lab activities is not feasible, a short project will be possible assigned to the students.

- In the oral exam, the student will be required to illustrate results presented during the course, in order to evaluate her/his knowledge and comprehension of the arguments covered as well as the capacity to apply them.
-The lab exam is based on the activities done in each lab session; in case such evaluation is not feasible, a short project will be assigned to each student.

The examination is passed if the oral part is successfully passed and, for those requiring 9 credits, if the lab activities are positively evaluated. Final marks are given using the numerical range 0-30, and will be communicated immediately after the oral examination.
Hamiltonian System 1 (first part)
Course syllabus
The aim of the course is to study some qualitative aspect of the dynamics of finite and infinite dimensional Hamiltonian systems. It is composed of three parts: (1) classical theory and Integrable systems, (2) perturbation theory for finite dimensional systems, (3) perturbation theory infinite dimensional sistems.

In the first part we will present results ranging from the last part of 1800 to the years 60' of '900 which are the elementary tools of Hamiltonian systems and the basic results on the structure of integrable systems. In the second part we will present the main results obtained since the beginning of '900 untill the years '80 on perturbation theory for finite dimensional systems.

More in detail

1.1 Hamiltonian formulation of the equations of mechanical systems, canonical transformations, relationship between integrals of motion and symmetries,
1.2 theorem by Liouville-Arnold-Jost on the structure of integrable systems.
1.3 Some explicit examples

2.1 Birkhoff normal form, small divisors, long time stability of the dynamics in perturbation of nonresonant systems, long time behaviour of resonant systems (nonlinear beatings)

2.2 Perturbation theory for nonlinear integrable systems: density of resonances, Poincaré's theorem on non persistence of integrals of motion, Nekhoroshev's theorem on stability over exponentially ling times (Lochak's proof). Elements of KAM theory. Applications to some important problems including precession of Mercury's perihelion.

In the third part, some tools will be introduced in order to extend the perturbation theory to infinite dimensional systems, in particular for systems of particles at the thermodynamic limit. The dynamical foundations of statistical thermodynamics will be discussed, in connection with the problem of metastability.
Teaching methods
Lectures.
Students are strongly advised to attend the classes.
Teaching Resources
Lecture notes available on the web page on Ariel.
Hamiltonian System 1 mod/02
Course syllabus
1. Symplectic integrators; general properties and actual code development used to numerically integrate some Hamiltonian system.
2. Explicit perturbative construction of approximated first integral and/or normal forms, by means of symbolic manupulation techniques.
Teaching methods
Lectures and lab classes with computers.
Teaching Resources
Lecture notes available on the web page on Ariel
Hamiltonian System 1 (first part)
MAT/07 - MATHEMATICAL PHYSICS - University credits: 6
Laboratories: 12 hours
Lessons: 35 hours
Professor: Carati Andrea
Hamiltonian System 1 mod/02
MAT/07 - MATHEMATICAL PHYSICS - University credits: 3
Laboratories: 12 hours
Lessons: 14 hours
Professor: Carati Andrea
Educational website(s)
Professor(s)