Planetary motion equations integral

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the integration of planetary motion equations as presented in Barry Spain's *Tensor Calculus*. The equations under scrutiny are the second-order differential equations for the angular position and time, specifically $$\frac{d^2\psi}{d\sigma^2} + \frac{2}{r}\frac{dr}{d\sigma}\frac{d\psi}{d\sigma} = 0$$ and $$\frac{d^2t}{d\sigma^2} + \frac{2m}{c^2r}\left(1-\frac{2m}{c^2r}\right)^{-1}\frac{dr}{d\sigma}\frac{dt}{d\sigma} = 0$$. The integration leads to the results $$r^2\frac{d\psi}{d\sigma} = h$$ and $$\left(1-\frac{2m}{c^2r}\right) \frac{dt}{d\sigma}= k$$, where $$k$$ and $$h$$ are constants. The user seeks clarification on the integration process to validate these results.

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  • Understanding of second-order differential equations
  • Familiarity with integration techniques in calculus
  • Knowledge of the concepts of angular momentum and gravitational physics
  • Basic understanding of the notation used in tensor calculus
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  • Study the integration of second-order differential equations in the context of physics
  • Learn about the application of tensor calculus in gravitational theories
  • Explore the derivation of constants of motion in planetary dynamics
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Students and professionals in physics, particularly those focused on celestial mechanics, gravitational theories, and advanced calculus. This discussion is beneficial for anyone looking to deepen their understanding of planetary motion equations and their integrations.

cr7einstein
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I was reading Planetary Motion (page 117) in Barry Spain's *Tensor calculus*, and stupidly enough, I didn't understand this. The equations are:

$$\frac{d^2\psi}{d\sigma^2} + \frac{2}{r}\frac{dr}{d\sigma}\frac{d\psi}{d\sigma} = 0,$$

$$\frac{d^2t}{d\sigma^2} + \frac{2m}{c^2r}\left(1-\frac{2m}{c^2r}\right)^{-1}\frac{dr}{d\sigma}\frac{dt}{d\sigma} = 0,$$

And the next statement reads

>we integrate the above to get
>
>$$r^2\frac{d\psi}{d\sigma} = h, \quad \left(1-\frac{2m}{c^2r}\right) \frac{dt}{d\sigma}= k$$
>
>respectively, for constants $$k$$ and $$h$$.

I believe it is a simple question, as no steps are given, but I am unable to get it. I tried everything I could, substitutions et al, but to no avail. So please entertain this silly question. Thank you very much...

EDIT
-
Please show the integration, I don't want to confirm the validity of the answers by working backwards, but I want to establish them.

EDIT (2)

I want to see the actual integration. If I am right, then the second term($2r\frac{dr}{d\sigma}\frac{d\psi}{d\sigma}$) of the first equation yields the desired result which is $r^2\frac{d\psi}{d\sigma}$ when integrated wrt $d\sigma$. It means that the integral of $$r^2\frac{d^2\psi}{d\sigma^2}$$ is $$0$$...I think the integral simplifies to $$\frac{d}{d\sigma}\int{r^2d\psi}$$, and to get the required answer, it should be zero or a constant...But HOW? PLease help...
 
Last edited:
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cr7einstein said:
I was reading Planetary Motion (page 117) in Barry Spain's *Tensor calculus*, and stupidly enough, I didn't understand this. The equations are:

$$\frac{d^2\psi}{d\sigma^2} + \frac{2}{r}\frac{dr}{d\sigma}\frac{d\psi}{d\sigma} = 0,$$

$$\frac{d^2t}{d\sigma^2} + \frac{2m}{c^2r}\left(1-\frac{2m}{c^2r}\right)^{-1}\frac{dr}{d\sigma}\frac{dt}{d\sigma} = 0,$$

And the next statement reads

>we integrate the above to get
>
>$$r^2\frac{d\psi}{d\sigma} = h, \quad \left(1-\frac{2m}{c^2r}\right) \frac{dt}{d\sigma}= k$$
>
>respectively, for constants $$k$$ and $$h$$.

I believe it is a simple question, as no steps are given, but I am unable to get it. I tried everything I could, substitutions et al, but to no avail. So please entertain this silly question.

The equations are each of the form <br /> \frac{d^2 u}{d\sigma^2} + f(v)\frac{dv}{d\sigma}\frac{du}{d\sigma} = 0. This suggests that one should first divide by \frac{du}{d\sigma} to obtain <br /> \left(\frac{du}{d\sigma}\right)^{-1} \frac{d}{d\sigma}\left(\frac{du}{d\sigma}\right) + f(v)\frac{dv}{d\sigma} = \frac{d}{d\sigma}\left(\log \left(\frac{du}{d\sigma}\right) + \int f(v)\,dv \right) = 0.

EDIT: Working back from the given answer leads me to conclude that the second equation should be <br /> \frac{d^2t}{d\sigma^2} - \frac{2m}{c^2r^2}\left(1-\frac{2m}{c^2r}\right)^{-1}\frac{dr}{d\sigma}\frac{dt}{d\sigma} = 0.
 
Last edited:
Ok, thanks pasmith, I got it...
 
Last edited:

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