Deriving equations of motion for restricted 3-body problem

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on deriving the equations of motion for a restricted three-body problem, specifically in a rotating frame where two large masses orbit their barycentre, and a smaller mass is influenced by their gravitational forces. The equation of motion presented is: $$\mathbf{\ddot{r}} + 2(\mathbf{\Omega \times \cdot{r}})+(\mathbf{\Omega \cdot r})\mathbf{\Omega - \Omega^2 r}=-G\left(\frac{M_1}{r_1^3}\mathbf{r_1} + \frac{M_2}{r_2^3}\mathbf{r_2}\right) + \frac{1}{m}\mathbf{F_d}$$. The discussion emphasizes the importance of using a rotating frame of reference and highlights that Newton's second law applies to the entire vector, including basis vectors. A valid inertial frame exists where the barycentre is at rest, which is crucial for accurate derivation.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Newton's laws of motion
  • Familiarity with rotating reference frames
  • Knowledge of gravitational forces in multi-body systems
  • Basic proficiency in vector calculus
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the derivation of equations of motion in rotating frames
  • Explore the concept of fictitious forces in non-inertial reference frames
  • Learn about the mathematical formulation of the restricted three-body problem
  • Investigate the application of basis vectors in dynamics
USEFUL FOR

Students and researchers in astrophysics, physicists studying celestial mechanics, and engineers involved in orbital dynamics will benefit from this discussion.

tomwilliam2
Messages
117
Reaction score
2
My textbook is describing a 3-body situation where there are two large masses rotating around their barycentre, and a third much smaller mass experiencing gravitational forces from the two larger masses. If the frame of reference is the one in which the barycentre is at rest, then it is not inertial. For the smaller mass, there is an angular speed ##\Omega## to take into account.
The gravitational force due to the two masses is clear, but when my textbook sets out the equation of motion for this mass, it just gives the result in this frame of reference as:
$$\mathbf{\ddot{r}} + 2(\mathbf{\Omega \times \cdot{r}})+(\mathbf{\Omega \cdot r})\mathbf{\Omega - \Omega^2 r}=-G\left(\frac{M_1}{r_1^3}\mathbf{r_1} + \frac{M_2}{r_2^3}\mathbf{r_2}\right) + \frac{1}{m}\mathbf{F_d}$$
Without any explanation. I'd like to try and derive it for myself. Any idea how to go about doing that?
Obviously I could start with:
$$\mathbf{\ddot{r}} + \mathbf{\alpha(\Omega)}=-G\left(\frac{M_1}{r_1^3}\mathbf{r_1} + \frac{M_2}{r_2^3}\mathbf{r_2}\right) + \frac{1}{m}\mathbf{F_d}$$
Where ##\alpha## represents the contribution to the acceleration caused by the rotating frame of reference, and ##F_d## is the disturbance forces.
 
Last edited:
Physics news on Phys.org
tomwilliam2 said:
If the frame of reference is the one in which the barycentre is at rest, then it is not inertial
This is not correct. There is a perfectly valid inertial frame where the barycenter is at rest. The point is that you want to go to the rotating frame in which the larger bodies are also at rest.

You can derive the result directly by considering a set of basis vectors that are rotating with the system. Note that the vector ##\ddot{\bf r}## as probably defined in your text only contains the time derivatives of the components, not the entire vector including the basis. Newton's second law holds for the entire vector - including the basis vector.
 
  • Like
Likes   Reactions: QuantumQuest

Similar threads

  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
2K
  • · Replies 16 ·
Replies
16
Views
3K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
1K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
899
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K