The study of scalar Riccati differential equations dates from the early period of modern mathematical analysis, since such equations represent one of the simplest types of nonlinear ordinary differential equations. Because of their intimate connection with the theory of Bessel functions, these equations have occurred frequently in problems of mathematical physics. In pure mathematics they have proved to be of basic importance in such diverse disciplines as the projective differential geometry of curves and the calculus of variations.
Read more at http://ebookee.org/Riccati-differential-equations-Volume-86-Mathematics-in-Science-and-Engineering-by-William-T-Reid_1185222.html#7h1pPdXiA4vzUkbF.99