A generalisation of the Poincar\'e-Hopf Theorem

Abstract

The Poincar\'e-Hopf Theorem is a conservation law for real-analytic vector fields, which are tangential to a closed surface (such as a torus or a sphere). The theorem also governs real-analytic vector fields, which are tangential to surfaces with smooth boundaries; in these cases, the vector field must be pointing in the outward normal direction along the boundary. In this paper, I will generalise the Poincar\'e-Hopf Theorem for real-analytic vector fields that are tangential to surfaces with piecewise smooth boundaries, and not parallel to the outward normal of the boundary.