Generalized factorization for N×NDaniele–Khrapkov matrix functions

A generalization to N×Nof the 2×2 Daniele–Khrapkov class of matrix‐valued functions is proposed. This class retains some of the features of the 2×2 Daniele–Khrapkov class, in particular, the presence of certain square‐root functions in its definition. Functions of this class appear in the study of finite‐dimensional integrable systems. The paper concentrates on giving the main properties of the class, using them to outline a method for the study of the Wiener–Hopf factorization of the symbols of this class. This is done through examples that are completely worked out. One of these examples corresponds to a particular case of the motion of a symmetric rigid body with a fixed point (Lagrange top). Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.