Prove two line elements represent the same space/plane

In summary, the conversation discusses how to prove that the given line element represents the 2-D Euclidean plane. The approach involves finding a coordinate transform and using trigonometric hyperbolic identities and their differentials. The final solution involves the use of the identity ##tanh^2(\eta)+sech^2(\eta) = 1##.
  • #1
chris_avfc
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Homework Statement


I've been given the line element given below in the relevant equations section and I need to prove that the space it represents is just the same as the 2-D Euclidean plane.

Homework Equations


[itex] ds^2 = a^2 \frac{d\eta ^2 }{cosh^4(\eta)} + a^2 tanh^2(\eta) d\theta ^2 [/itex]

Where
[itex] 0\lt\theta\leq2\pi [/itex]
[itex] 0\lt\eta\leq\infty [/itex]

The Attempt at a Solution


I'm pretty sure that to prove this I need to find the coordinate transform to show that the above line element should be equal to:
[itex] ds^2 = dx^2 + dy^2[/itex]
So I believe I'm looking for [itex]x[/itex] and [itex]y[/itex] in terms of [itex]eta[/itex] and [itex]theta[/itex], but I'm not entirely sure how to go about that.

Any suggestions are much appreciated!
 
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  • #2
Okay well I can't seem to find a way to edit the original post so I'm going to reply with what I've got so far.
I've been looking at the trigonomic hyperbolic identities and their differentials.
If we have
## x = a tanh^2(\eta) ## then ## dx = 2tanh(\eta)sech^2(\eta)d\eta##
## y = a\theta ## then ## dy = ad\theta ##

This would then lead to ## ds^2 = 2a^2tanh^2(\eta)sech^4(\eta)d\eta^2 + a^2d\theta^2##
Where of course ## sech^4(\eta) = \frac{1}{cosh^4(\eta)}##

So it is sort of getting there, maybe.

Wondering if the fact that ##tanh^2(\eta)+sech^2(\eta) = 1 ## could be useful.
 

1. How can I determine if two line elements represent the same space/plane?

The easiest way to determine if two line elements represent the same space/plane is to compare their orbital parameters. These include the semi-major axis, eccentricity, inclination, right ascension of the ascending node, argument of periapsis, and mean anomaly. If the values for these parameters are the same or very close, then it is likely that the two line elements represent the same space/plane.

2. Can two line elements with different orbital parameters represent the same space/plane?

No, two line elements with different orbital parameters cannot represent the same space/plane. Each set of orbital parameters is unique to a specific orbit and therefore, if the parameters are different, the orbits are also different.

3. Is there a mathematical formula for comparing two line elements?

Yes, there is a mathematical formula called the SGP4 algorithm that is commonly used to determine the position and velocity of an object in orbit using its two line elements. This algorithm takes into account the orbital parameters and calculates the object's position and velocity at a specific time.

4. What other factors should be considered when comparing two line elements?

In addition to the orbital parameters, it is important to also consider the epoch of the two line elements. The epoch is the specific date and time at which the orbital parameters were determined. If the epochs are different, the two line elements may represent the same space/plane at different points in time.

5. Can two line elements accurately represent the orbit of an object?

Yes, two line elements can accurately represent the orbit of an object. However, they are not as precise as using a full set of orbital elements, which includes additional parameters such as drag and solar radiation pressure. Two line elements are most commonly used for objects in low Earth orbit, where drag and radiation pressure effects are minimal.

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