In this article we study the geometry associated with the sub-elliptic operator ½ (X²1 +X²2), where X1 = ∂x and X2 = x²/2 ∂y are vector fields on R². We show that any point can be connected with the origin by at least one geodesic and we provide an approximate formula for the number of the geodesics between the origin and the points situated outside of the y-axis. We show there are in¯nitely many geodesics between the origin and the points on the y-axis.

This thesis is devoted to creating a systematic way of determining all inequivalent orthogonal coordinate systems which separate the Hamilton-Jacobi equation for a given natural Hamiltonian defined on three-dimensional spaces of constant, non-zero curvature. To achieve this, we represent the problem with Killing tensors and employ the recently developed invariant theory of Killing tensors. Killing tensors on the model spaces of spherical and hyperbolic space enjoy a remarkably simple form; even more striking is the fact that their parameter tensors admit the same symmetries as the Riemann curvature tensor, and thus can be considered algebraic curvature tensors. Using this property to obtain invariants and covariants of Killing tensors, together with the web symmetries of the associated orthogonal coordinate webs, we establish an equivalence criterion for each space. In the case of three-dimensional spherical space, we demonstrate the surprising result that these webs can be distinguished purely by the symmetries of the web. In the case of three-dimensional hyperbolic space, we use a combination of web symmetries, invariants and covariants to achieve an equivalence criterion. To completely solve the equivalence problem in each case, we develop a method for determining the moving frame map for an arbitrary Killing tensor of the space. This is achieved by defining an algebraic Ricci tensor. Solutions to equivalence problems of Killing tensors are particularly useful in the areas of multiseparability and superintegrability. This is evidenced by our analysis of symmetric potentials defined on three-dimensional spherical and hyperbolic space. Using the most general Killing tensor of a symmetry subspace, we derive the most general potential “compatible” with this Killing tensor. As a further example, we introduce the notion of a joint invariant in the vector space of Killing tensors and use them to characterize a well-known superintegrable potential in the plane. xiii

Hamilton-Jacobi theory provides a powerful method for extracting the equations of motion out of some given systems in classical mechanics. On occasion it allows some systems to be solved by the method of separation of variables. If a system with n degrees of freedom has 2n - 1 constants of the motion that are polynomial in the momenta, then that system is called superintegrable. Such a system can usually be solved in multiple coordinate systems if the constants of the motion are quadratic in the momenta. All superintegrable two dimensional Hamiltonians of the form H = (p_x)sup2 + (p_y)sup2 + V(x,y), with constants that are quadratic in the momenta were classified by Kalnins et al [5], and the coordinate systems in which they separate were found. We discuss Hamilton-Jacobi theory and its development from a classical viewpoint, as well as superintegrability. We then proceed to use the theory to find equations of motion for some of the superintegrable Hamiltonians from Kalnins et al [5]. We also discuss some of the properties of the Poisson algebra of those systems, and examine the orbits.