Momentum Maps

Abstract

In this chapter we show how to obtain conserved quantities for Lagrangian and Hamiltonian systems with symmetries. This is done using the concept of a momentum mapping, which is a geometric generalization of the classical linear and angular momentum. This concept is more than a mathematical reformulation of a concept that simply describes the well-known Noether theorem. Rather, it is a rich concept that is ubiquitous in the modern developments of geometric mechanics. It has led to surprising insights into many areas of mechanics and geometry.