E.o.m. for a particle in a sphere of dust

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SUMMARY

The equations of motion (e.o.m.) for a particle moving inside a sphere of homogeneous dust with density ρ are derived using the Lagrangian formulation. The Lagrangian is expressed as L = (m/2)ẋi2 - (4π/3)Gmρxi2, leading to harmonic oscillator solutions with frequency ω2 = (8π/3)Gρ. The motion in the xy-plane is described by xi(t) = aicos(ωt) + bisin(ωt), where ai and bi are constants. Angular momentum conservation is confirmed through the Lagrangian in spherical coordinates, with Jz = m r2ω.

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tom.stoer
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I am looking for the e.o.m. of a particle moving inside a sphere of homogeneous dust with density ρ. I start with the Lagrangian (in cartesian coordinates with i=1,2,3)

L = \frac{m}{2}\dot{x}_i^2 - \frac{4\pi}{3}Gm\rho x_i^2

The e.o.m. and their solution are given by the harmonic oscillator with frequency

\omega^2 = \frac{8\pi}{3}G\rho

x_i(t) = a_i\cos\omega t + b_i\sin\omega t

with

a_i = (a_x,a_y,0);\;\;b_i = (b_x,b_y,0)

for motion in the xy-plane.

Of course angular momentum is conserved. This follows either from the solution or directly from the Lagrangian in spherical coordinates

J_z = \frac{\partial L}{\partial \dot{\phi}} = mr^2\dot{\phi} \to mr^2\omega

This a well-known warm-up.

**********

In the next step I want to study a slowly varying, homogeneous density ρ(t). What I want to do now is to introduce a general ansatz which can be studied in perturbation theory or in a kind of adiabatic approximation. I am interested in perturbations to exactly circular motion. Of course I can use something like time-dependent parameters a(t), b(t) and ω(t). Angular momentum is still conserved b/c the time-dependent density does not affect the kinetic term. And here comes my problem:

I can't find an ansatz respecting conservation of angular momentum!

Any ideas?
 
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OK; I found the Ansatz; rather simple ;-)
 

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