Alejandro Bravo-Doddoli

The space $J^k$ of $k$-jets of a real function of one real variable $x$ admits the structure of Carnot group type. As such, $J^k$ admits a submetry (sub-Riemannian submersion) onto the Euclidean plane. Horizontal lifts of Euclidean lines (which are the left translates of horizontal one-parameter subgroups) are thus globally minimizing geodesics on $J^k$. All $J^k$-geodesics, minimizing or not, are constructed from degree $k$ polynomials in $x$ according to [7–9], reviewed here. The constant polynomials correspond to the horizontal lifts of lines. Which other polynomials yield globally minimizers and what do these minimizers look like? We give a partial answer. Our methods include constructing an intermediate three-dimensional ``magnetic'' sub-Riemannian space lying between the jet space and the plane, solving a Hamilton – Jacobi (eikonal) equations on this space, and analyzing period asymptotics associated to period degenerations arising from two-parameter families of these polynomials. Along the way, we conjecture the independence of the cut time of any geodesic on jet space from the starting location on that geodesic.

We derive the reduced equations of motion for an articulated $n$-trailer vehicle that moves under its own inertia on the plane. We show that the energy level surfaces in the reduced space are $(n + 1)$-tori and we classify the equilibria within them, determining their stability. A thorough description of the dynamics is given in the case $n = 1$.