Elliptic Function Rotation Problem

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the Elliptic Function Rotation Problem, where a user constructs a trigonometric function to simulate orbital motion around an ellipse. The user encounters an issue where the point rotates faster near the ambiguous foci rather than the true foci. A solution is proposed using Landau's equations for Keplerian motion, which involve polar coordinates and derive the speed of an orbiting mass as a function of the angle. The key equations provided include the distance from the center of the ellipse and the time as a function of the angle.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Elliptic Functions and Curves
  • Familiarity with Trigonometric Functions
  • Knowledge of Polar Coordinates
  • Basic Calculus for differentiation and integration
NEXT STEPS
  • Study Landau's "Classical Mechanics" for insights on Keplerian motion
  • Learn about the derivation of orbital mechanics using polar coordinates
  • Explore the mathematical concepts of eccentricity in ellipses
  • Investigate the relationship between angular velocity and radial distance in orbital dynamics
USEFUL FOR

Mathematicians, physicists, and computer scientists interested in simulating orbital mechanics and understanding the dynamics of elliptical motion.

Sabertooth
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TL;DR
I have made a rotating point on the perimeter of an ellipse. My problem is that the motion is reversed from the true foci.
Hi all:)
In my recent exploration of Elliptic Function, Curves and Motion I have come upon a handy equation for creating orbital motion.
Essentially I construct a trigonometric function and use the max distance to foci as the boundary for my motion on the x-plane.
Desmos Orbit physicsforum2.png


When I plot a point rotating around the perimeter of my Ellipse I get my desired changing velocity depending on the distance to the foci; shown in this:
https://gyazo.com/9430d22ff4d6f38f2d5bcf381a06db76

However it appears that the point is rotating faster near the ambiguous foci and not the true foci. How can I reverse my function so that the point will move faster near my (0,0) coordinate and slower when it moves further away, instead of the opposite?
 

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Sabertooth said:
Summary:: I have made a rotating point on the perimeter of an ellipse. My problem is that the motion is reversed from the true foci.

Hi all:)
In my recent exploration of Elliptic Function, Curves and Motion I have come upon a handy equation for creating orbital motion.
Essentially I construct a trigonometric function and use the max distance to foci as the boundary for my motion on the x-plane.
View attachment 269515

When I plot a point rotating around the perimeter of my Ellipse I get my desired changing velocity depending on the distance to the foci; shown in this:
https://gyazo.com/9430d22ff4d6f38f2d5bcf381a06db76

However it appears that the point is rotating faster near the ambiguous foci and not the true foci. How can I reverse my function so that the point will move faster near my (0,0) coordinate and slower when it moves further away, instead of the opposite?
I am not quite clear on what you are trying to simulate with your program. However, if you want to simulate Kepler elliptical orbital motion, for example a comet orbiting the sun, then the book by Landau "Classical Mechanics" gives the solution to the problem in polar coordinates. I assume you have knowledge of calculus. Landau's solution uses polar coordinates show in the image:
elipse.jpg

where ##a## is the semi-major axis, ##b## is the semi-minor axis, ##r## is the distance from the center of the ellipse to a point on its perimeter, and ##\xi## is the angle between ##r## and the semi-minor axis.

Landau derives the equations for Kepler orbital motion to be:$$
r=a(1-e\cos(\xi))
$$
$$
t=\sqrt(\frac{ma^3}{\alpha})(\xi -e\sin(\xi) )
$$
where ##e## is the eccentricity of the ellipse, ##t## is time, ##m## is the reduced mass of the system of two masses and ##\alpha## is the strength of the potential field. Your problem, as I see it, is to find a function the describes the speed ##|v|## of the orbiting mass as a function of the angle ##\xi##. To this end I claim,
$$
|v|= \sqrt(\dot{\xi}^2 + \dot{r}^2 )
$$
where the dot above the variable indicates differentiation w.r.t time. We find,
$$
\dot{r}=e\dot{\xi}\sin(\xi)
$$
To find ##\dot{\xi}## we differentiate ##t## w.r.t ##\xi##,
$$
\frac{dt}{d\xi}= \sqrt(\frac{ma^3}{\alpha})(1-e\cos(\xi))
$$
and therefore,
$$
\dot{\xi}=\frac{1}{\sqrt(\frac{ma^3}{\alpha})(1-e\cos(\xi))}
$$
After some algebra we find the speed as a function of ##\xi##,
$$
|v|=\frac{\sqrt(1+e^2 \sin^2 (\xi))}{\sqrt(\frac{ma^3}{\alpha})(1-e\cos(\xi))}
$$
 

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