On the complete integrability and linearization of nonlinear ordinary differential equations. IV. Coupled second-order equations

Abstract

Coupled second-order nonlinear differential equations are of fundamental importance in dynamics. In this part of our study on the integrability and linearization of nonlinear ordinary differential equations (ODEs), we focus our attention on the method of deriving a general solution for two coupled second-order nonlinear ODEs through the extended Prelle-Singer procedure. We describe a procedure to obtain integrating factors and the required number of integrals of motion so that the general solution follows straightforwardly from these integrals. Our method tackles both isotropic and non-isotropic cases in a systematic way. In addition to the above-mentioned method, we introduce a new method of transforming coupled second-order nonlinear ODEs into uncoupled ones. We illustrate the theory with potentially important examples.