- #1
cfin3
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Homework Statement
I have an orbital mechanics problem, in which I need to find the area of the ellipse from pericenter to pi/2 (semi-latus rectum location).
Homework Equations
So I have the orbit equation
r = p/(1+e*cos(theta)) where the origin is at the focus. So I know that A = integral( 1/2 * r^2 * d_theta) from 0-> pi/2.
The Attempt at a Solution
The problem is when plugging in r I can't integrate it. I need to account for the fact that 0=<e=<1 also. I have read many many other posts and searched on this topic but haven't found a concise answer.
Thanks for the help!