Can a Satellite Maintain its Angular Velocity with Continuous Low Thrust?

In summary, Satellite 2, which is in a circular heliocentric orbit with radius R and angular velocity O', undergoes a low continuous thrust which may result in an elliptic orbit or an outward spiraling orbit. The thrust vector is perpendicular to a line connecting Satellite 2 to Satellite 1 and the Sun, causing tangential thrust. It is unclear how this acceleration will affect the maintenance of angular velocity O'. Further research on the relationship between tangential velocity, radius, gravity, and centrifugal force is needed to determine if O' can be maintained by the accelerating satellite.
  • #1
dansmith170
45
11
TL;DR Summary
Can a satellite that undergoes a low continuous thrust maintain the same angular velocity as a satellite that does not undergo said thrust?
Suppose two satellites are in a circular heliocentric orbit with radius R and with angular velocity O'. Satellite 2 then undergoes a low continuous thrust. Can Satellite 2 (the one that undergoes the continuous low thrust) maintain the same angular velocity O' about the sun?

It seems that Satellite 2 may now be in an elliptic orbit (or outward spiraling orbit) and presumably its thrust vector is perpendicular to a line connecting Satellite 2 to Satellite 1, to the Sun. (Tangential thrust).

How might one go about proving that angular velocity (O') can be maintained as Satellite 2 accelerates (if it is possible at all)?

P.S. I think I am confused about whether increasing tangential velocity increases radius in a way that would prohibit O' from being maintained by the accelerating satellite.
 
Astronomy news on Phys.org
  • #2
I did a quick & dirty numerical simulation... First I put a James Webb in a circular orbit around the sun at 1AU (with no planets). Next I doubled the distance to 2AU without changing the orbital velocity. The spacecraft at 2AU with enough orbital velocity for a 1AU circular orbit escapes the Sun (no orbit).

16.jpg


Or if you start with a circular orbit at 1AU then double the orbital speed, you also leave the solar system (no orbit)...
17.jpg
 
Last edited:
  • Like
Likes Lnewqban
  • #3
Look up (Google?) how gravity varies with distance.
Then look up how centrifugal force varies with orbital speed or distance.

Have Fun and Learn Much!
Tom
 
  • Like
Likes collinsmark, dlgoff and topsquark

1. What is continuous angular velocity?

Continuous angular velocity is a measure of the rate of change of angular displacement over time. It describes how fast an object is rotating or moving in a circular path.

2. How is continuous angular velocity different from linear velocity?

Continuous angular velocity is a rotational measure, while linear velocity is a measure of straight-line motion. They both describe the rate of change of position over time, but in different directions.

3. How is continuous angular velocity measured?

Continuous angular velocity is typically measured in radians per second (rad/s) or degrees per second (deg/s). It can also be expressed in revolutions per minute (rpm) or revolutions per second (rps).

4. What factors affect continuous angular velocity?

The two main factors that affect continuous angular velocity are the radius of the circular path and the speed of the object. A larger radius or faster speed will result in a higher continuous angular velocity.

5. How is continuous angular velocity used in real-world applications?

Continuous angular velocity is used in many fields, including physics, engineering, and astronomy. It is used to describe the motion of objects such as wheels, gears, and planets. It is also used in calculations for rotational dynamics and to design machines that require precise rotational motion.

Similar threads

Replies
62
Views
5K
  • Mechanics
Replies
28
Views
3K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
3
Views
1K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
1
Views
809
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
2
Replies
39
Views
3K
  • Astronomy and Astrophysics
Replies
3
Views
3K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
4
Views
2K
  • Classical Physics
Replies
4
Views
2K
  • Special and General Relativity
2
Replies
42
Views
4K
Replies
86
Views
4K
Back
Top