Momentum Maps and Hamiltonian Reduction

The use of the symmetries of a physical system in the study of its dynamics has a long history that goes back to the founders of c1assical mechanics. Symmetry-based tech­ niques are often implemented by using the integrals 01 motion that one can sometimes associate to these symmetries. The integrals of motion of a dynamical system are quan­ tities that are conserved along the fiow of that system. In c1assieal mechanics symme­ tries are usually induced by point transformations, that is, they come