Equations of motion for an orbit

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around the integration of equations related to cosmological models, specifically focusing on the equations of motion for an orbit. The original poster is attempting to integrate a specific equation while substituting a known function for the scale factor.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Mathematical reasoning, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster discusses integrating a particular equation and considers substituting a known function for the scale factor. Some participants suggest specific substitutions to aid in finding the antiderivative. Others express uncertainty about the form of the integral and its dependence on variables.

Discussion Status

The discussion is active, with participants exploring various approaches to the integration problem. Some guidance has been offered regarding substitutions, and there is acknowledgment of the need for a definite integral. Participants are reflecting on their understanding and the correctness of their approaches.

Contextual Notes

There is mention of using computational tools like Mathematica, but the original poster expresses a desire to understand the integration process manually. The discussion also touches on the normalization of variables and the implications of limits in the context of the problem.

fasterthanjoao
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Only reason I'm posting here is that i'll get more views than in the cosmology thread, I'm afraid..

(Basically, I'm working through a couple of different models and after some work I'm a bit stuck: http://trond.hjorteland.com/thesis/node21.html

I'm basically trying to integrate equation 3.33 to [tex]t_0[/tex] - without much success. Now, cosmologists will know that [tex]a(t)=(\frac{t}{t_0})^\frac{2}{3}[/tex] which I feel should be substituted, getting rid of the [tex]a^\frac{1}{2}da[/tex]? Any comments on this appreciated.
 
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This is to help you find the antiderivative: Make the substitutions

[tex]a=\Omega_{0} , \ b=1-\Omega_{0}, \ a=y^{3/2}[/tex]

You get the equation

[tex]H_{0}\int{}dt=\frac{2}{3}\int \frac{dy}{\sqrt{by^2 +a}}[/tex]

Can you take it from here ?
 
Seems to me like it's at least definitely a log, I think roughly coming out to something like :

[tex]H_0t=\frac{2}{3}\log(2by+2\sqrt{a+by^2})[/tex]

Which I'm doesn't seem right, and infact I'm almost certain the final form should be independent of y, since in a limit it should simplify to

[tex]H_0t_0=\frac{2}{3}[/tex]

So it seems I need to at least have a definite integral, ill just say y from 0 to 1 since I've already normalised for y to be 1 at present.
 
Last edited:
Integrating from 0 to 1 seems to be correct now, from Mathematica I see that it's an inverse hyperbolic sine (through I suppose there's an equivalent form in Log). Could obviously have used Mathematica at the beginning, but I'd like to be able to work through it since it's bugging me now!

If you can shed light on how this is done, that would be great. Thanks.
 
Think I have it ok now, was just a little rusty on my integration. Thanks for the help dextercioby.
 

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