Lie theorem via rank 2 distributions (integration of PDE of class \omega=1)

Abstract

In this paper we investigate compatible overdetermined systems of PDEs on the plane with one common characteristic. Lie's theorem states that its integration is equivalent to a system of ODEs, and we relate this to the geometry of rank 2 distributions. We find a criterion for integration in quadratures and in closed form, as in the method of Darboux, and discuss nonlinear Laplace transformations and symmetric PDE models.