ISSN:
1572-9478
Keywords:
Canonical form
;
perturbation theory
;
velocity-dependent forces
;
Hamilton-Jacobi theory
;
partial derivatives
;
Lense-Thirring precession
Source:
Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
Topics:
Physics
Notes:
Abstract A form of planetary perturbation theory based on canonical equations of motion, rather than on the use of osculating orbital elements, is developed and applied to several problems of interest. It is proved that, with appropriately selected initial conditions on the orbital elements, the two forms of perturbation theory give rise to identical predictions for the observable coordinates and velocities, while the orbital elements themselves may be strikingly different. Differences between the canonical form of perturbation theory and the classical Lagrange planetary perturbation equations are discussed. The canonical form of perturbation theory in some cases has advantages when the perturbing forces are velocity-dependent, but the two forms of perturbation theory are equivalent if the perturbing forces are dependent only on position and not on velocity. The canonical form of the planetary perturbation equations are derived and applied to the Lense Thirring precession of a test body in a Keplerian orbit around a rotating mass source.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/BF00691937
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