| Abstract: | Given a set of independent vector fields on a smooth manifold, we discuss how to find a function whose zero-level set is invariant under the flows of the vector fields. As an application, we study the solvability of overdetermined partial differential equations: Given a system of quasi-linear PDEs of first order for one unknown function we find a necessary and sufficient condition for the existence of solutions in terms of the second jet of the coefficients. This generalizes to certain quasi-linear systems of first order for several unknown functions. |
