Cartan–Kähler theorem

In mathematics, the Cartan–Kähler theorem is a major result on the integrability conditions for differential systems, in the case of analytic functions, for differential ideals $I$. It is named for Élie Cartan and Erich Kähler.

Meaning

It is not true that merely having $dI$ contained in $I$ is sufficient for integrability. There is a problem caused by singular solutions. The theorem computes certain constants that must satisfy an inequality in order that there be a solution.

Statement

Let $(M,I)$ be a real analytic EDS. Assume that $P\subseteq M$ is a connected, $k$-dimensional, real analytic, regular integral manifold of $I$ with $r(P)\geq 0$ (i.e., the tangent spaces $T_{p}P$ are "extendable" to higher dimensional integral elements).

Moreover, assume there is a real analytic submanifold $R\subseteq M$ of codimension $r(P)$ containing $P$ and such that $T_{p}R\cap H(T_{p}P)$ has dimension $k+1$ for all $p\in P$.

Then there exists a (locally) unique connected, $(k+1)$-dimensional, real analytic integral manifold $X\subseteq M$ of $I$ that satisfies $P\subseteq X\subseteq R$.

Proof and assumptions

The Cauchy-Kovalevskaya theorem is used in the proof, so the analyticity is necessary.

References

• Jean Dieudonné, Eléments d'analyse, vol. 4, (1977) Chapt. XVIII.13
• R. Bryant, S. S. Chern, R. Gardner, H. Goldschmidt, P. Griffiths, Exterior Differential Systems, Springer Verlag, New York, 1991.

External links

• Alekseevskii, D.V. (2001) [1994], "Pfaffian problem", Encyclopedia of Mathematics, EMS Press
• R. Bryant, "Nine Lectures on Exterior Differential Systems", 1999
• E. Cartan, "On the integration of systems of total differential equations," transl. by D. H. Delphenich
• E. Kähler, "Introduction to the theory of systems of differential equations," transl. by D. H. Delphenich