Coupled differential equations for charged particles

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on the behavior of electrons in a spatially bounded system represented by a system of coupled differential equations. The user presents a matrix equation involving three electrons, with specific variables such as charge (q), mass (m), and distance vectors (r). The challenge lies in solving this system, which resembles the three-body problem, known for its lack of an analytical solution. Participants suggest exploring numerical methods or simulations to address the complexity of the equations.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of coupled differential equations
  • Familiarity with matrix algebra and diagonalization techniques
  • Knowledge of classical mechanics, particularly the three-body problem
  • Experience with numerical methods for solving differential equations
NEXT STEPS
  • Research numerical methods for solving coupled differential equations
  • Explore simulation tools such as MATLAB or Python's SciPy for modeling particle interactions
  • Study the three-body problem and its implications in classical mechanics
  • Learn about the Runge-Kutta method for numerical integration of differential equations
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Physicists, mathematicians, and engineers interested in computational modeling of particle dynamics and those tackling complex systems in classical mechanics.

SgrA*
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Hello,

I wanted to study the behaviour of electrons in a spatially bounded system. I want to have a larger number of electrons, but I took 3 to start with and arrived at this system of coupled equations:
\begin{align}\begin{bmatrix}<br /> \mathbf{\ddot{x_{1}}}\\ \\<br /> \mathbf{\ddot{x_{2}}}\\ \\<br /> \mathbf{\ddot{x_{3}}}<br /> \end{bmatrix} = \frac{1}{4\pi\epsilon_0} \begin{bmatrix}<br /> \frac{q_1 q_2}{m_1} &amp; \frac{q_1 q_3}{m_1} \\ \\<br /> \frac{q_2 q_1}{m_2} &amp; \frac{q_2 q_3}{m_2} \\ \\<br /> \frac{q_3 q_1}{m_3} &amp; \frac{q_3 q_2}{m_3} \\<br /> \end{bmatrix} \begin{bmatrix}<br /> \frac{\mathbf{r_{12}}}{|r_{12}^{3}|} &amp;<br /> \frac{\mathbf{r_{21}}}{|r_{21}^{3}|} &amp;<br /> \frac{\mathbf{r_{31}}}{|r_{31}^{3}|}\\ \\<br /> <br /> \frac{\mathbf{r_{13}}}{|r_{13}^{3}|} &amp;<br /> \frac{\mathbf{r_{23}}}{|r_{23}^{3}|} &amp;<br /> \frac{\mathbf{r_{32}}}{|r_{32}^{3}|}<br /> \end{bmatrix}\end{align}<br />
I'm not sure how to solve it: I've only solved the coupled mass problem by diagonalization, but I had a 2x2 matrix there. What method can I use to solve this system?

Thanks!
 
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Are you trying to solve the three-body problem? It does not have an analytical solution.
 

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