A time-extended Hamiltonian formalism

Abstract

A Poisson structure on the time-extended space R x M is shown to be appropriate for a Hamiltonian formalism in which time is no more a privileged variable and no a priori geometry is assumed on the space M of motions. Possible geometries induced on the spatial domain M are investigated. An abstract representation space for sl(2,R) algebra with a concrete physical realization by the Darboux-Halphen system is considered for demonstration. The Poisson bi-vector on R x M is shown to possess two intrinsic infinitesimal automorphisms one of which is known as the modular or curl vector field. Anchored to these two, an infinite hierarchy of automorphisms can be generated. Implications on the symmetry structure of Hamiltonian dynamical systems are discussed. As a generalization of the isomorphism between contact flows and their symplectifications, the relation between Hamiltonian flows on R x M and infinitesimal motions on M preserving a geometric structure therein is demonstrated for volume preserving diffeomorphisms in connection with three-dimensional motion of an incompressible fluid.