Gravitational torque on a ring mass

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on calculating the gravitational tidal torque on a circular ring mass inclined at an angle i. The ring, characterized by its mass m and radius r, is subjected to the gravitational influence of a second mass M located at a distance d, where d significantly exceeds r. The participants explore the mathematical formulation of the ring's geometry, including the application of rotation matrices to derive the ring's orientation in three-dimensional space. Key equations are presented to facilitate the computation of tidal torque resulting from the gravitational interaction between the ring and mass M.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of gravitational forces and torque
  • Familiarity with rotation matrices in three-dimensional geometry
  • Knowledge of circular motion and inclined planes
  • Basic principles of tidal forces in astrophysics
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the derivation of gravitational torque in multi-body systems
  • Learn about the application of rotation matrices in physics
  • Investigate the effects of tidal forces on celestial bodies
  • Explore the concept of precession in astrophysical contexts
USEFUL FOR

Astronomy students, physicists, and engineers interested in gravitational dynamics, orbital mechanics, and the mathematical modeling of celestial systems.

chuligan
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What is a gravity tidal torque on a simple circular ring, inclined at some angle i?

I can't find a solution for this simple problem, despite the ring's idea is frequently used
in the precession problems, for example in the Earth's axis precession case.

How this can be computed effectively?
 
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Where's the center of mass of the ring? What is the gravitational force on an increment of mass dm on the ring? What is the orientation of the normal to the plane of the ring to the direction of gravitational force on the ring's center of mass?
 
The ring is flat and circular, with a mass m, and a radius is r;
the ring is inclined at angle i to the z axis (like a moon's orbit, or the equator of the Earth);
and it can be rotated at angle along z axis: f.

The second mass M is placed at a distance d to the ring, and we can assume: d >> r, say: d/r > 100
And question is: what is a tidal torque due to the mass M action on the ring?
 
I wrtie some equation for this ring geometry.

a simple unit circle |r| = 1, in a plane x-y:
r = (\cos t, \sin t, 0)

then I must incline it at i angle to the z:

r' = r A; where A is a simple rotation matrix around y axis:
x' = x\cos i - z\sin i; z' = x\sin i + z\cos i
thus:
r' = (\cos t\cos i, \sin t\cos i, \sin i)

now we must rotate this around z jet:
r'' = r' B, where B is now rotation in x-y plane with angle f:
x' = xcosf - ysinf; y' = xsinf + ycosf
thus the final ring is:

r = [\cos i\cos t\cos f - \cos i\sin t\sin f, \cos i\cos t\sin f + \cos i\sin t\cos f, \sin i]
 
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