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Ali Taghavi
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Shape-related vector fields

Assume that $M$ is a surface in $\mathbb{R}^{3}$. We denote its shape operator by $S$. A vector field $X$ is shape related to $Y$ if $S(X)=Y$. (of course it is not an equivalent relation).

Assume that $X, Y$ are two vector fields on $S^{2}$ with the same singular points. Is there a surface $M$, diffeomorphic to $S^{2}$, such that $X$ is shape related to $Y$.

Note that the initial vector fields $X$ and $Y$, are pull backed via diffeomorphism to two new vector fields on $M$. these 2 new vector fields are denoted by $X$ and $Y$, again

Ali Taghavi
  • 356
  • 8
  • 31
  • 123