In differential geometry and topology one often deals with systems of partial differential equations, as well as partial differential inequalities, that have infinitely many solutions whatever boundary conditions are imposed. It was discovered in the fifties that the solvability of differential relations (i.e. equations and inequalities) of this kind can often be reduced to a problem of a purely homotopy-theoretic nature. One says in this case that the corresponding differential relation satisfies the $h$-principle. Two famous examples of the $h$-principle, the Nash-Kuiper $C^1$-isometric embedding theory in Riemannian geometry and the Smale-Hirsch immersion theory in differential topology, were later transformed by Gromov into powerful general methods for establishing the $h$-principle.The authors cover two main methods for proving the $h$-principle: holonomic approximation and convex integration. The reader will find that, with a few notable exceptions, most instances of the $h$-principle can be treated by the methods considered here. A special emphasis in the book is made on applications to symplectic and contact geometry. Gromov's famous book ""Partial Differential Relations"", which is devoted to the same subject, is an encyclopedia of the $h$-principle, written for experts, while the present book is the first broadly accessible exposition of the theory and its applications. The book would be an excellent text for a graduate course on geometric methods for solving partial differential equations and inequalities. Geometers, topologists and analysts will also find much value in this very readable exposition of an important and remarkable topic.
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978-0-8218-3227-1 (9780821832271)
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Schweitzer Klassifikation
Intrigue Holonomic approximation: Jets and holonomy Thom transversality theorem Holonomic approximation Applications Differential relations and Gromov's $h$-principle: Differential relations Homotopy principle Open Diff $V$-invariant differential relations Applications to closed manifolds The homotopy principle in symplectic geometry: Symplectic and contact basics Symplectic and contact structures on open manifolds Symplectic and contact structures on closed manifolds Embeddings into symplectic and contact manifolds Microflexibility and holonomic $\mathcal{R}$-approximation First applications of microflexibility Microflexible $\mathfrak{U}$-invariant differential relations Further applications to symplectic geometry Convex integration: One-dimensional convex integration Homotopy principle for ample differential relations Directed immersions and embeddings First order linear differential operators Nash-Kuiper theorem Bibliography Index.
