Doubt about the polar equation of a Kepler orbit

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the differentiation of the polar equation of a Kepler orbit, specifically the equation r = p / (1 + e cos ν). The user initially derived an expression for the radial velocity, \dot{r}, but was unsure how to arrive at the expected result of \dot{r} = √(μ/p) e sin ν. The solution involves applying Kepler's second law, r² \dot{ν} = h, to eliminate \dot{ν} from the equation, leading to the correct formulation. This method effectively clarifies the relationship between the parameters involved in the orbit.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of polar coordinates in orbital mechanics
  • Familiarity with Kepler's laws of planetary motion
  • Basic knowledge of calculus, specifically differentiation
  • Concept of orbital parameters such as eccentricity (e) and semi-latus rectum (p)
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the derivation of Kepler's laws of planetary motion
  • Learn about the application of polar coordinates in celestial mechanics
  • Explore the relationship between angular momentum and radial velocity in orbits
  • Investigate the implications of eccentricity on orbital shapes and dynamics
USEFUL FOR

Astronomy students, astrophysicists, and anyone studying celestial mechanics will benefit from this discussion, particularly those interested in the mathematical modeling of planetary orbits.

pc2-brazil
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Good morning,

I have a doubt about the differentiation of the polar equation of an orbit:
[tex]r=\frac{p}{1+e\cos\nu}[/tex]
It represents the relative position of a planet with respect to the central body.
Here, p is the parameter, e is the eccentricity and r is the radius of the planet measured from the focus (where the central body is located).
If I differentiate it, I obtain the following result:
[tex]\dot{r}=\frac{\mathrm{d} }{\mathrm{d} t}\left ( \frac{p}{1+e\cos\nu} \right )[/tex]
[tex]p \left(\frac{e\dot{\nu}\sin \nu}{(1+e\cos\nu)^2}\right) = \frac{h^2}{\mu} \left(\frac{e\dot{\nu}\sin \nu}{(1+e\cos\nu)^2}\right)[/tex]
However, according to the text I'm reading, I should be getting this:
[tex]\dot{r}=\sqrt{\frac{\mu}{p}}e\sin\nu[/tex]
I'm not sure on how I could get this result.
Any ideas?

Thank you in advance.
 
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From Kepler's second law you have the relationship [itex]r^2 \dot{\nu} = h[/itex] which you can insert into your equation to get rid of [itex]\dot{\nu}[/itex].
 
Filip Larsen said:
From Kepler's second law you have the relationship [itex]r^2 \dot{\nu} = h[/itex] which you can insert into your equation to get rid of [itex]\dot{\nu}[/itex].

OK, I tried it and it led me to the correct result.
 

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