Turn a sinusoid into a elliptic orbit

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the mathematical representation of orbits, specifically how to transform sinusoidal equations into those describing elliptical orbits. Participants explore the implications of gravitational forces and the correct application of Newtonian mechanics in this context.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested
  • Mathematical reasoning

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants express uncertainty about the correctness of the equations provided for describing orbits, particularly regarding their dependence on constant acceleration.
  • One participant suggests that sinusoids can parameterize an ellipse and questions the generality of the initial setup, emphasizing the nature of gravity as a central force.
  • There is a debate over the correct definitions of angles h and p, with some arguing they should relate to position while others suggest they pertain to velocity.
  • One participant asserts that the equations presented are incorrect and highlights that they do not apply to an orbiting body due to non-constant acceleration.
  • Another participant challenges the avoidance of Kepler's solution, implying that it is essential to the discussion of orbits.
  • A request is made for the equations governing motion under non-uniform acceleration, indicating a desire for a deeper understanding of the dynamics involved.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on the correctness of the equations or the definitions of h and p. Multiple competing views are presented regarding the application of Newtonian mechanics to orbital motion and the nature of gravitational forces.

Contextual Notes

Limitations include the assumption of constant acceleration in the initial equations, which is challenged by participants. The discussion also highlights the complexity of achieving stable elliptical orbits through trial and error.

Philosophaie
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I am trying to get my head around these equations. I am not sure they are correct. My logic is an orbit exists at a starting point (x0,y0,z0) with a starting velocity at time zero (vx0,vy0,vz0) changing with time (dx/dt, dy/dt, dz/dt). The gravity is (d^2x/dt^2, d^2y/dt^2, d^2z/dt^2). How do you turn a sinusoid into a elliptic orbit?

x = (-1 / 2 * G * M / r ^ 2 * Cos(h) * Cos(p)) * t ^ 2 + vx0 * t + x0
y = (-1 / 2 * G * M / r ^ 2 * Sin(h) * Cos(p)) * t ^ 2 + vy0 * t + y0
z = (-1 / 2 * G * M / r ^ 2 * Sin(p)) * t ^ 2 + vz0 * t + z0

where
r=(x^2+y^2+z^2)^0.5
h=atan(y/x)
p=acos(z/r)
 
Last edited:
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Philosophaie said:
I am trying to get my head around these equations. I am not sure they are correct. My logic is an orbit exists at a starting point (x0,y0,z0) with a starting velocity at time zero (vx0,vy0,vz0) changing with time (dx/dt, dy/dt, dz/dt). The gravity is (d^2x/dt^2, d^2y/dt^2, d^2z/dt^2). How do you turn a sinusoid into a elliptic orbit?
The sinusoids parameterise the ellipse.
You know how this works if the plane of the orbit is the x-y plane right?

However, I think you have been too general in your setup.
Gravity is usually a central force - always directed to some point - with a magnitude that depends on the distance to that center. You write that down and apply Newton's Laws. There are several possible shapes - the stable ellipse is usually quite tricky to hit on by trail and error.
 
Which is the correct postulation in Newtonian 2 Body solution:

h=atan(y/x)
p=acos(z/r)

or

h=atan(vy/vx)
p=acos(vz/vr)

where

vr = (vx^2+vy^2+vz^2)^0.5
 
Depends what you want h and p to represent.
The former are the angles to the position and the second to the velocity.
They do not appear to represent any kind of postulates, and are not specific to the two-body problem.
 
Philosophaie said:
I am trying to get my head around these equations. I am not sure they are correct. My logic is an orbit exists at a starting point (x0,y0,z0) with a starting velocity at time zero (vx0,vy0,vz0) changing with time (dx/dt, dy/dt, dz/dt). The gravity is (d^2x/dt^2, d^2y/dt^2, d^2z/dt^2). How do you turn a sinusoid into a elliptic orbit?

x = (-1 / 2 * G * M / r ^ 2 * Cos(h) * Cos(p)) * t ^ 2 + vx0 * t + x0
y = (-1 / 2 * G * M / r ^ 2 * Sin(h) * Cos(p)) * t ^ 2 + vy0 * t + y0
z = (-1 / 2 * G * M / r ^ 2 * Sin(p)) * t ^ 2 + vz0 * t + z0

where
r=(x^2+y^2+z^2)^0.5
h=atan(y/x)
p=acos(z/r)
This is incorrect. ##\vec x(t) = \frac 1 2 \vec a\,t^2 + \vec v_0\,t + \vec x_0## is only valid for constant acceleration. The equation you used does not apply to an orbiting body because the acceleration of an orbiting body is not constant.
Philosophaie said:
Which is the correct postulation in Newtonian 2 Body solution:

h=atan(y/x)
p=acos(z/r)

or

h=atan(vy/vx)
p=acos(vz/vr)

where

vr = (vx^2+vy^2+vz^2)^0.5
Neither one.

The correct solution was found by Kepler. Why do you persist in avoiding that solution?
 
Philosophaie said:
I am not sure they are correct.
They are not correct.
 
Then how do you find the equations for x,y,z, xdot, ydot, zdot, rdot thetadot, phidot, xdoubledot, ydoubledot, zdoubledot, rdoubledot, thetadoubledot, and phidoubledot with non-uniform acceleration?
 
Last edited:
Start with a free-body diagram and apply Newton's Laws - applying boundary conditions.

From post #2:
Gravity is usually a central force - always directed to some point - with a magnitude that depends on the distance to that center. You write that down and apply Newton's Laws. There are several possible shapes - the stable ellipse is usually quite tricky to hit on by trail and error.
 

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