On the connections between symmetries and conservation rules of dynamical systems

Giampaolo Cicogna

Published 2013-07-08Version 1

The strict connection between Lie point-symmetries of a dynamical system and its constants of motion is discussed and emphasized, through old and new results. It is shown in particular how the knowledge of a symmetry of a dynamical system can allow to obtain conserved quantities which are invariant under the symmetry. In the case of Hamiltonian dynamical systems it is shown that, if the system admits a symmetry of "weaker" type (specifically, a \lambda\ or a \Lambda-symmetry), then the generating function of the symmetry is not a conserved quantity, but the deviation from the exact conservation is "controlled" in a well defined way. Several examples illustrate the various aspects.