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Bibliographic Details
Main Author: Frey, Douglas R.
Format: Preprint
Published: 2026
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Online Access:https://arxiv.org/abs/2604.20980
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author Frey, Douglas R.
author_facet Frey, Douglas R.
contents The Riccati differential equation is examined in light of its connection to second order linear time varying systems. In that light it becomes the clear generalization for the characteristic equation of linear time invariant systems, and is called the Riccati Characteristic Equation (RCE). Consequently, the RCE becomes the unifying centerpiece for the study of linear systems. Its solutions are considered in complementary pairs that form a continuum based on a primitive pair. Pairs may always be found as purely real solutions, despite the fact that complex conjugate primitive solutions are shown to exist in many cases. Not only is the pairing unique, but the general form of solutions, shown here for the first time, is uniquely compact and encompasses all known solutions, while allowing for all initial conditions. Classical engineering mathematics examples are shown to conform to this approach, which provides new insights to all, especially Floquet theory.
format Preprint
id arxiv_https___arxiv_org_abs_2604_20980
institution arXiv
publishDate 2026
record_format arxiv
spellingShingle The Riccati Characteristic Equation
Frey, Douglas R.
Dynamical Systems
Systems and Control
The Riccati differential equation is examined in light of its connection to second order linear time varying systems. In that light it becomes the clear generalization for the characteristic equation of linear time invariant systems, and is called the Riccati Characteristic Equation (RCE). Consequently, the RCE becomes the unifying centerpiece for the study of linear systems. Its solutions are considered in complementary pairs that form a continuum based on a primitive pair. Pairs may always be found as purely real solutions, despite the fact that complex conjugate primitive solutions are shown to exist in many cases. Not only is the pairing unique, but the general form of solutions, shown here for the first time, is uniquely compact and encompasses all known solutions, while allowing for all initial conditions. Classical engineering mathematics examples are shown to conform to this approach, which provides new insights to all, especially Floquet theory.
title The Riccati Characteristic Equation
topic Dynamical Systems
Systems and Control
url https://arxiv.org/abs/2604.20980