Orbital simulator and non fixed orbit

AI Thread Summary
In a simulation of a three-planet system, one planet is fixed and significantly heavier than the others, while another has a stable elliptical orbit. The simulation reveals that the orbit of the middle planet experiences variations, contrary to the expectation of fixed orbits. This instability is attributed to gravitational interactions between the planets, particularly the influence of the heavier fixed planet and the elliptical orbit of the third planet. The discussion highlights the complexities of orbital mechanics in multi-body systems. Understanding these interactions is crucial for accurate orbital simulations.
FLOUR
Messages
5
Reaction score
0
Hello,
Let's consider a small 3 planet system. One of the planet's is fixed and is a lot heavier than the others. The acelleration is
mP2 * aP2 = - FP3 - FP1
From with the velocity is derived with allows to calculate the positions of the planet's in a simulator program. After running the simulation, The orbit of one of the "moving" planets isn't fixed - some variation occur after each loop.

What can cause this? The other planet (that's not fixed) has an elliptic fixed orbit.
FP = Gravitational Force of Planet
Thanks.
 
Last edited:
Physics news on Phys.org
Hello,
some more data about the situation:

Planet 1 - fixed on the center of the referential
Planet 2 - initial distance = 3 AU (start_x= 3 AU, start_y = 0)
Planet 3 - initial distance = 6 AU (start_x= 6 AU, start_y=0)

So Planet 2 is on the "middle" of the system.

Planet 1 is about 1000 times "heavier" than Planet 2.
Planet 3 is about 30 times "heavier" than Planet 2.

Planet 3's orbit is fixed elliptic. Planet 2's orbit has some variation to the initial elliptic orbit.

1) I was under the impression that orbits were suposed to be fixed...
2) I'm guessing the planet in the "middle" is getting heavy interaction from the other planet's...

Thanks for your comments.
 
Thread 'Collision of a bullet on a rod-string system: query'
In this question, I have a question. I am NOT trying to solve it, but it is just a conceptual question. Consider the point on the rod, which connects the string and the rod. My question: just before and after the collision, is ANGULAR momentum CONSERVED about this point? Lets call the point which connects the string and rod as P. Why am I asking this? : it is clear from the scenario that the point of concern, which connects the string and the rod, moves in a circular path due to the string...
Back
Top