3-body solution in two dimensions

In summary, the conversation discusses the possibility of finding exact solutions for two-dimensional projections of 3-body problems. The speaker suggests that if one could solve for the trajectory in two planes, they could then build the 3D version exactly. However, it is uncertain if this approach is feasible.
  • #1
Loren Booda
3,125
4
Are there any exact solutions for two-dimensional projections of 3-body problems?
 
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  • #2
I really don't know anything about 3-body problems so I should probably just keep quiet, but...

If you have an unknown trajectory R(t) = <x(t),y(t),z(t)> it seems to me that if we could exactly solve for the trajectory in each of two planes we could solve the original trajectory exactly. In the z = 0 plane you would have R(t) = <x(t),y(t)> and in the y = 0 plane you would know R(t) = <x(t),z(t)> with perhaps a different parameterization. I would think having those two you could build the 3D version exactly, which, apparently, you can't do.

Disclaimer: The above may be worthless speculation.
 

1. What is the 3-body problem in two dimensions?

The 3-body problem in two dimensions is a mathematical problem that involves predicting the motion of three celestial bodies (such as planets) that are interacting with each other through gravitational forces in a two-dimensional space.

2. Why is the 3-body problem in two dimensions important?

The 3-body problem in two dimensions is important because it is a simplified version of the more complex 3-body problem in three dimensions, which is a fundamental problem in celestial mechanics. It also has practical applications in understanding the motion of celestial bodies in our solar system and in other systems with three or more interacting bodies.

3. What are the challenges of solving the 3-body problem in two dimensions?

The main challenge of solving the 3-body problem in two dimensions is that it does not have a general analytical solution. This means that there is no single mathematical formula that can accurately predict the motion of three bodies in all cases. Instead, numerical methods and approximations must be used to solve the problem.

4. How do scientists approach solving the 3-body problem in two dimensions?

Scientists use a variety of techniques and methods to solve the 3-body problem in two dimensions. These include numerical integration methods, perturbation theory, and computer simulations. Each approach has its own advantages and limitations, and scientists often use a combination of methods to gain a better understanding of the problem.

5. What are some real-world applications of the 3-body problem in two dimensions?

The 3-body problem in two dimensions has been applied to various real-world scenarios, such as predicting the motion of planets in our solar system, studying the dynamics of binary star systems, and understanding the behavior of galaxies in clusters. It has also been used in fields such as astrophysics, aerospace engineering, and celestial navigation.

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