How to Integrate 1/(1+e cos(x))^2?

  • Context: MHB 
  • Thread starter Thread starter Dustinsfl
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Integrate
Click For Summary

Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the integration of the function $$\frac{1}{(1 + e\cos\theta)^2}$$ over the interval from 0 to a variable $$\nu$$, where $$0 < e < 1$$. Participants explore various methods for solving this integral, including complex analysis and substitutions, while addressing the challenges associated with the integration process.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Mathematical reasoning
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant attempted to use Residue Theory but found it complicated and possibly erroneous in their calculations.
  • Another participant suggested a substitution involving the tangent half-angle formula, leading to a rational function integral.
  • There was a discussion about the potential utility of looking up the integral in reference materials like the CRC Standard Mathematical Tables.
  • Concerns were raised about the applicability of complex methods to this integral, with a suggestion that it may not be suitable for the given form.
  • Clarifications were made regarding the meaning of the variable $$e$$, which was identified as the eccentricity of an orbit rather than the mathematical constant.
  • A participant proposed an alternative substitution involving a cosine transformation, leading to a different form of the integral.
  • Another participant noted the complexity of the integral and suggested differentiating with respect to $$e$$ to potentially find a closed form.
  • There was mention of the possibility that the solution might involve elliptic integrals, particularly for certain values of $$\nu$$.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express a range of methods and ideas without reaching a consensus on a single approach to the integral. Multiple competing views and techniques remain, indicating that the discussion is unresolved.

Contextual Notes

Some participants noted the complexity of the integral, suggesting that it may not have a straightforward solution. There are also references to specific cases where the integral might simplify, but these conditions are not universally applicable.

Who May Find This Useful

This discussion may be useful for individuals interested in advanced integration techniques, particularly in the context of mathematical physics or applied mathematics, as well as those exploring the use of substitutions and complex analysis in integration.

Dustinsfl
Messages
2,217
Reaction score
5
I am trying to integrate
$$
\int_0^{\nu}\frac{d\theta}{(1 + e\cos\theta)^2}
$$
where $0<e<1$.
I tried using Residue Theory but that was messy and didn't come up as needed.
The highlights of that were:
$\cos z = \frac{z + \frac{1}{z}}{2}$
Denominator became $z + 2ze^2 + 2z^2e^2 + 2e^2 + 4z^2 + 4e$ and that factor to
$$
\left(z + \frac{1+2e^2+\sqrt{1-4e^2[15e(16+3e)]}}{4e(2+e)}\right)\left(z + \frac{1+2e^2-\sqrt{1-4e^2[15e(16+3e)]}}{4e(2+e)}\right)
$$
It is highly probably there were some errors with that mess. I wasn't sure if I could do:
$$
\cos 2z = \frac{2z + \frac{1}{2z}}{2}
$$
but I did.
Is there another way to integrate this? Any method real or complex is fine.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Re: Integrate 1/(1+e\cos x)^2

With the substitution...

$\displaystyle t= \tan \frac{\theta}{2} \implies \theta= 2\ \tan^{-1} t \implies d \theta = 2\ \frac{d t} {1 + t^{2}} \implies \sin \theta = \frac{2 t} {1 + t^{2}} \implies \cos \theta = \frac{1-t^{2}} {1 + t^{2}}$ (1)

... You arrive to a definite integral containing a rational function...

Kind regards

$\chi$ $\sigma$
 
Re: Integrate 1/(1+e\cos x)^2

chisigma said:
With the substitution...

$\displaystyle t= \tan \frac{\theta}{2} \implies \theta= 2\ \tan^{-1} t \implies d \theta = 2\ \frac{d t} {1 + t^{2}} \implies \sin \theta = \frac{2 t} {1 + t^{2}} \implies \cos \theta = \frac{1-t^{2}} {1 + t^{2}}$ (1)

... You arrive to a definite integral containing a rational function...

Kind regards

$\chi$ $\sigma$

But how do we integrate the rational function
$$
2\int\frac{dt}{(1 + t^2)\left(1+e\frac{1-t^2}{1+t^2}\right)^2}
$$
I couldn't simplify that down to anything useful.
 
Re: Integrate 1/(1+e\cos x)^2

Have you tried looking the integral up in say the CRC Standard Mathematical Tables?
 
Re: Integrate 1/(1+e\cos x)^2

Jester said:
Have you tried looking the integral up in say the CRC Standard Mathematical Tables?

I would rather learn how to integrate it then look it up.
 
Re: Integrate 1/(1+e\cos x)^2

You know, sometimes looking up the answer give you the clue on how to solve the problem.
 
Re: Integrate 1/(1+e\cos x)^2

Jester said:
You know, sometimes looking up the answer give you the clue on how to solve the problem.

With that begin said, what is your idea for solving it then? I knew the answer before I ever posted the question.
 
Re: Integrate 1/(1+e\cos x)^2

Hey, may I ask what do you mean by e ? I thought it was the constant $$\ln e =1 $$ ?
 
Re: Integrate 1/(1+e\cos x)^2

ZaidAlyafey said:
Hey, may I ask what do you mean by e ? I thought it was the constant $$\ln e =1 $$ ?

e is the eccentricity of the orbit. So in this case, we have elliptical orbits.
 
  • #10
Re: Integrate 1/(1+e\cos x)^2

dwsmith said:
I tried using Residue Theory but that was messy and didn't come up as needed.

I think that a complex method can't be used here , since that applies only to an integration of the form $$\int_{0}^{2\pi}\, f(\cos(\theta), \sin(\theta))\, d\theta $$

another question , what do you mean by v ?

It might be so helpful , if you can illustrate more on what this integration really describes ?
 
Last edited:
  • #11
Re: Integrate 1/(1+e\cos x)^2

ZaidAlyafey said:
I think that a complex method can't be used here , since that applies only to an integration of the form $$\int_{0}^{2\pi}\, f(\cos(\theta), \sin(\theta))\, d\theta $$

another question , what do you mean by v ?

It might be so helpful , if you can illustrate more on what this integration really describes ?

$\nu$ is just a variable. Like the FTC. $\int_a^xf(t)dt$
 
  • #12
Re: Integrate 1/(1+e\cos x)^2

A possible alternative is the substitution...

$\displaystyle a\ \cos \theta= x \implies \cos \theta= \frac{x}{a} \implies d \theta = - \frac{d x}{a\ \sin \theta} = - \frac{d x}{a\ \sqrt{1- (\frac{x}{a})^{2}}}$ (1)

... so that the integral becomes...

$\displaystyle \int \frac{d \theta}{(1+ a\ \cos \theta)^{2}} = - \frac{1}{a} \int \frac{d x} {\sqrt{1 - (\frac{x}{a}) ^{2}}\ (1 + x)^{2}}$ (2)

... and 'Monster Wolfram' says to be...

$\displaystyle - \frac{1}{a} \int \frac{d x} {\sqrt{1 - (\frac{x}{a}) ^{2}}\ (1 + x)^{2}} = \frac{1}{a\ (1-\frac{1}{a^{2}})\ (1+x)}\ \{\sqrt{1-\frac{1}{a^{2}}}\ \sqrt{1-\frac{x^{2}}{a^{2}}} - \frac{1+x}{a^{2}}\ \ln [\sqrt{1-\frac{1}{a^{2}}}\ \sqrt{1-\frac{x^{2}}{a^{2}}} + \frac{x}{a^{2}} + 1] + \frac{1+x}{a^{2}}\ \ln (1+x) \} + c$ (3)
Kind regards

$\chi$ $\sigma$
 
Last edited:
  • #13
Re: Integrate 1/(1+e\cos x)^2

Seeing the solution in the CRC tables I might try the following.

Consider

$\dfrac{d}{d \theta} \dfrac{\sin \theta}{1 + e \cos \theta} = \dfrac{ \cos \theta + e}{(1 + e \cos \theta)^2}$

so

$\dfrac{d}{d \theta} \dfrac{e \sin \theta}{1 + e \cos \theta} = \dfrac{e \cos \theta + e^2}{(1 + e \cos \theta)^2}= \dfrac{1 + e \cos \theta + e^2-1}{(1 + e \cos \theta)^2} $
$= \dfrac{1}{1 + e \cos \theta} + \dfrac{e^2-1}{(1 + e \cos \theta)^2} $

Thus,

$\displaystyle \int \dfrac{d \theta}{(1 + e \cos \theta)^2} = \dfrac{e}{e^2-1} \dfrac{\sin \theta}{1 + e \cos \theta} - \dfrac{1}{e^2-1} \int \dfrac{d \theta}{1 + e \cos \theta}.$

The Weierstrass substitution would probably work a little better on the new integral here.
 
  • #14
Re: Integrate 1/(1+e\cos x)^2

This is NOT a simple integral, despite its apparently innocuous appearance. That's partly why, in Gradshteyn and Ryzhik, you will only find 'complete' examples, where $$v=\pi/2$$, say, or $$2\pi$$.

Personally, I think the best way to tackle it would be to regard it as a function of $$e$$, the differentiate wrt to e, if lucky find a closed form, and then re-integrate...

I suspect your answer should include elliptic integrals (incomplete ones at that, unless $$v=1$$).
 
  • #15
How can I view full answer it's urgent, i have already registered
 
  • #16
Nagarjuna said:
How can I view full answer it's urgent, i have already registered
We don't often give out full answers, we help you all learn to find it on your own. Since you are reviving a 5 year old problem why don't you tell us what you don't understand about what has been posted so far.

-Dan
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 27 ·
Replies
27
Views
2K
  • · Replies 12 ·
Replies
12
Views
3K
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
2K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
1K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
3K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
3K
Replies
10
Views
2K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 19 ·
Replies
19
Views
5K
Replies
4
Views
2K