State Matrix Derivation for Orbital Mechanics

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on the derivation of the state matrix for the Keplerian two-body problem, specifically the equation \(\ddot{\mathbf{r}} = -\frac{\mu}{r^3}\mathbf{r}\) and its representation in state matrix form. Key concepts include the potential function \(V(\mathbf{r})\) and the symplectic nature of the state transition matrix \(\mathbf{G}\). The participants seek clarification on the derivation of the state transition matrix components \(\mathbf{\Phi}_{ij}\) and the associated partial derivatives, which are crucial for understanding orbital mechanics.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of orbital mechanics and Keplerian motion
  • Familiarity with state transition matrices in dynamical systems
  • Knowledge of potential functions in physics, specifically \(-\nabla V(\mathbf{r})\)
  • Proficiency in calculus, particularly partial derivatives and matrix operations
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the derivation of the state transition matrix for the Keplerian two-body problem
  • Learn about symplectic matrices and their properties in dynamical systems
  • Explore the implications of potential functions in orbital mechanics
  • Investigate the application of partial derivatives in sensitivity analysis of orbital parameters
USEFUL FOR

Aerospace engineers, physicists, and students studying orbital mechanics who seek to deepen their understanding of state matrices and their applications in celestial dynamics.

Dustinsfl
Messages
2,217
Reaction score
5
Has anyone seen the derivation of \(\ddot{\mathbf{r}} = -\frac{\mu}{r^3}\mathbf{r}\) into state matrix form?

If so, can they provide a link?
 
Last edited:
Physics news on Phys.org
In a book, I have found a derivation I don't fully understand.

For one, it defines \(\ddot{\mathbf{r}} = -\frac{\mu}{r^3}\mathbf{r} = -\nabla V(\mathbf{r})\). I have never seen this definition. Why/How can Keplerian motion de defined as divergence of the potential of r?

Then
\[
\mathbf{G} = -
\begin{bmatrix}
\frac{\partial(\nabla V(\mathbf{r}))}{\partial\mathbf{r}}
\end{bmatrix} = -
\begin{bmatrix}
V_{xx} & V_{xy} & V_{xz}\\
V_{xy} & V_{yy} & V_{yz}\\
V_{xz} & V_{zy} & V_{zz}
\end{bmatrix}
\]
Since \(\mathbf{G} = \mathbf{G}^T\), the state transition matrix of the Keplerian two body problem is guaranteed to be symplectic.
\[
\mathbf{x}(t) =
\begin{bmatrix}
\mathbf{r}(t)\\
\mathbf{v}(t)
\end{bmatrix} =
\begin{bmatrix}
F\cdot\mathbb{I} & G\cdot\mathbb{I}\\
\dot{F}\cdot\mathbb{I} & \dot{G}\cdot\mathbb{I}
\end{bmatrix}\mathbf{x}_0
\]
where \(\mathbb{I}\) is \(3\times 3\) and
\begin{align}
F &= 1 - \frac{a}{r_0}(1 - \cos(\Delta E))\\
G &= \Delta t + \sqrt{\frac{a^3}{\mu}}(\sin(\Delta E) - \Delta E)\\
\dot{F} &= -\frac{\sqrt{a\mu}}{rr_0}\sin(\Delta E)\\
\dot{G} &= 1 + \frac{a}{r}(\cos(\Delta E) - 1)
\end{align}
The state transition matrix for this nonliear systme is defined as (Why?)
\[
\mathbf{\Phi}(t,t_0) =
\begin{bmatrix}
\mathbf{\Phi}_{11} & \mathbf{\Phi}_{12}\\
\mathbf{\Phi}_{21} & \mathbf{\Phi}_{22}
\end{bmatrix} =
\begin{bmatrix}
\frac{\partial\mathbf{x}(t)}{\partial\mathbf{x}_0}
\end{bmatrix}
\]
Then it says subdividing the \(6\times 6\) state transition matrix into four \(3\times 3\) matrices \(\mathbf{\Phi}_{ij}\), and using \(F\) and \(G\) solutions to compute the required partial derivatives, leads to the following results: (Can some one walk we through the first one so I understand how these were derived?)
\begin{align}
\mathbf{\Phi}_{11} &= F\cdot\mathbb{I} + \mathbf{r}_0\frac{\partial F}{\partial\mathbf{r}_0} + \mathbf{v}_0\frac{\partial G}{\partial\mathbf{r}_0}\\
\mathbf{\Phi}_{12} &= G\cdot\mathbb{I} + \mathbf{r}_0\frac{\partial F}{\partial\mathbf{v}_0} + \mathbf{v}_0\frac{\partial G}{\partial\mathbf{v}_0}\\
\mathbf{\Phi}_{21} &= \dot{F}\cdot\mathbb{I} + \mathbf{r}_0\frac{\partial \dot{F}}{\partial\mathbf{r}_0} + \mathbf{v}_0\frac{\partial \dot{G}}{\partial\mathbf{r}_0}\\
\mathbf{\Phi}_{22} &= \dot{G}\cdot\mathbb{I} + \mathbf{r}_0\frac{\partial\dot{F}}{\partial\mathbf{v}_0} + \mathbf{v}_0\frac{\partial\dot{G}}{\partial\mathbf{v}_0}\\
\end{align}
The partial derivatives of the initial orbit radius \(r_0\) and velocity magnitude \(v_0\) are given by (Can someone explain this?)
\begin{align}
\frac{\partial r_0}{\partial\mathbf{r}_0} &= \frac{1}{r_0}\mathbf{r}_0^T\\
\frac{\partial r_0}{\partial\mathbf{v}_0} &= \mathbf{0}^T\\
\frac{\partial v_0}{\partial\mathbf{r}_0} &= \mathbf{0}^T\\
\frac{\partial v_0}{\partial\mathbf{v}_0} &= \frac{1}{v_0}\mathbf{v}_0^T
\end{align}
Using the definition of \(\sigma_0\equiv \frac{1}{\sqrt{\mu}}\mathbf{r}_0^T\mathbf{v}_0\), the partial of \(\sigma_0\) is
\begin{gather}
\frac{\partial\sigma_0}{\partial\mathbf{r}_0} = \frac{1}{\sqrt{\mu}}\mathbf{v}_0^T\\
\frac{\partial\sigma_0}{\partial\mathbf{v}_0} = \frac{1}{\sqrt{\mu}}\mathbf{r}_0^T
\end{gather}
To find the sensitivities of the semimajor axis \(a\) with respect to the initial state vectors, we write the energy equation as
\[
\frac{1}{a} = \frac{2}{r_0} - \frac{v_0^2}{\mu}
\]
Then let's introduce a place holder vector alpha.

To be continued... but if you know how to answer anything already asked, please do.
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
3K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
3K
  • · Replies 14 ·
Replies
14
Views
4K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
1K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
3K
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
3K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
682
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
3K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
1K