Hamiltonian Stability of Spin–Orbit Resonances in Celestial Mechanics

The behaviour of ‘resonances’ in the spin-orbit coupling in celestial mechanics is investigated in a conservative setting. We consider a Hamiltonian nearly-integrable model describing an approximation of the spin-orbit interaction. The continuous system is reduced to a mapping by integrating the equations of motion through a symplectic algorithm. We study numerically the stability of periodic orbits associated to the above mapping by looking at the eigenvalues of the matrix of the linearized map over the full cycle of the periodic orbit. In particular, the value of the trace of the matrix is related to the stability character of the periodic orbit. We denote by ε_* (p/q) the value of the perturbing parameter at which a given elliptic periodic orbit with frequency p/q becomes unstable. A plot of the critical function ε_* (p/q) versus the frequency at different orbital eccentricities shows significant peaks at the synchronous resonance (for low eccentricities) and at the synchronous and 3:2 resonances (at higher eccentricities) in good agreement with astronomical observations. This revised version was published online in July 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.     

The Spin-Orbit Resonant Rotation of Mercury: A Two Degree of Freedom Hamiltonian Model

The paper develops a hamiltonian formulation describing the coupled orbital and spin motions of a rigid Mercury rotation about its axis of maximum moment of inertia in the frame of a 3:2 spin orbit resonance; the (ecliptic) obliquity is not constant, the gravitational potential of mercury is developed up to the second degree terms (the only ones for which an approximate numerical value can be given) and is reduced to a two degree of freedom model in the absence of planetary perturbations. Four equilibria can be calculated, corresponding to four different values of the (ecliptic) obliquity. The present situation of Mercury corresponds to one of them, which is proved to be stable. We introduce action-angle variables in the neighborhood of this stable equilibrium, by several successive canonical transformations, so to get two constant frequencies, the first one for the free spin-orbit libration, the other one for the 1:1 resonant precession of both nodes (orbital and rotational) on the ecliptic plane. The numerical values obtained by this simplified model are in perfect agreement with those obtained by Rambaux and Bois [Astron. Astrophys. 413, 381–393]. This revised version was published online in July 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.     

Integrability of the Yang-Mills Hamiltonian system

This paper considers the integrability of generalized Yang-Mills system with the HamiltonianH _a (p, q)=1/2(p ₁ ² +p ₂ ² +a ₁ q ₁ ² +a ₂ q ₂ ² )+1/4q ₁ ⁴ +1/4a ₃ q ₂ ⁴ + 1/2a ₄ q ₁ ² q ₂ ² . We prove that the system is integrable for the cases: (A)a ₁=a ₂,a ₃=a ₄=1; (b)a ₁=a ₂,a ₃=1,a ₄=3; (C)a ₁=a ₂/4,a ₃=16,a ₄=6. Our main result is the presentation of these integrals. Only for cases A and B does the Yang-Mills Hamiltonian possess the Painlevé property. Therefore the Painlevé test does not take account of the integrability for the case C.     

Determination of Libration Characteristics of Asteroids near Mean Motion Commensurabilities 1/1, 4/3, 3/2, 2/1, 7/3, 5/2, and 3/1

The possibility of using a generalized perfect resonance for the study of libration motions of asteroids near the (p+ q)/p-type commensurabilities of the mean motions of asteroids and Jupiter is considered. Based on the equations of the planar circular restricted three-body problem, the libration-motion equations are derived and their solutions for the intermediate Hamiltonian, as well as a solution taking into account perturbations of the order O(m ^3/2), are determined.     

Spin-orbit coupling: A unified theory of orbital and rotational resonances

The dynamics of the spin-orbit interaction of a sphereM ₈ and a rotating asymmetrical rigid bodyM _a are examined. No restrictions are imposed on the masses, on the orientation of the rotation axis to the orbit plane, or on the orbit eccentricity. The zonal potential harmonics ofM _a induce a precession of the spin axis as well as a precession of the orbit plane, the net effect being a uniform precession of the node on an invariant plane normal to the constant total angular momentum of the system. In general, the effect of the tesseral harmonics is to induce short-period perturbations of small amplitude in both the orbital and spin motions. Resonances are shown to exist whenever the orbital and rotational periods are commensurable. In any resonant state a single coordinate is found to represent both orbital and spin perturbations; and the system may be described as trapped in a localized potential well. The resultant spin and orbit librations are in phase with a common period. The relative amplitudes of the spin/orbit modes are determined by the characteristic parameter =M _a M _s a ² /3(M _a +M _s )C, wherea is the semimajor axis of the orbit, andC is the moment of inertia ofM _a about the rotation axis. When ga1, the solutions reduce to those for pureorbital resonance, in whichM _s librates in an appropriate reference frame while the rotation rate of the asymmetrical body remains constant. In the opposite extreme of 1, the solutions are appropriate to purerotational resonance, in which the orbital motion is unperturbed but the spin ofM _a librates. In each of these special cases the equations developed herein on the basis of a single theory are in agreement with those previously determined from separate theories of spin and orbital resonances.     

A minimal dynamical model for tidal synchronization and orbit circularization

We study tidal synchronization and orbit circularization in a minimal model that takes into account only the essential ingredients of tidal deformation and dissipation in the secondary body. In previous work we introduced the model (Escribano et al. in Phys. Rev. E, 78:036216, 2008); here we investigate in depth the complex dynamics that can arise from this simplest model of tidal synchronization and orbit circularization. We model an extended secondary body of mass m by two point masses of mass m/2 connected with a damped spring. This composite body moves in the gravitational field of a primary of mass M ≫ m located at the origin. In this simplest case oscillation and rotation of the secondary are assumed to take place in the plane of the Keplerian orbit. The gravitational interactions of both point masses with the primary are taken into account, but that between the point masses is neglected. We perform a Taylor expansion on the exact equations of motion to isolate and identify the different effects of tidal interactions. We compare both sets of equations and study the applicability of the approximations, in the presence of chaos. We introduce the resonance function as a resource to identify resonant states. The approximate equations of motion can account for both synchronization into the 1:1 spin-orbit resonance and the circularization of the orbit as the only true asymptotic attractors, together with the existence of relatively long-lived metastable orbits with the secondary in p:q (p and q being co-prime integers) synchronous rotation.     

Frozen orbits for satellites close to an Earth-like planet

We say that a planet is Earth-like if the coefficient of the second order zonal harmonic dominates all other coefficients in the gravity field. This paper concerns the zonal problem for satellites around an Earth-like planet, all other perturbations excluded. The potential contains all zonal coefficientsJ ₂ throughJ ₉. The model problem is averaged over the mean anomaly by a Lie transformation to the second order; we produce the resulting Hamiltonian as a Fourier series in the argument of perigee whose coefficients are algebraic functions of the eccentricity — not truncated power series. We then proceed to a global exploration of the equilibria in the averaged problem. These singularities which aerospace engineers know by the name of frozen orbits are located by solving the equilibria equations in two ways, (1) analytically in the neighborhood of either the zero eccentricity or the critical inclination, and (2) numerically by a Newton-Raphson iteration applied to an approximate position read from the color map of the phase flow. The analytical solutions we supply in full to assist space engineers in designing survey missions. We pay special attention to the manner in which additional zonal coefficients affect the evolution of bifurcations we had traced earlier in the main problem (J ₂ only). In particular, we examine the manner in which the odd zonalJ ₃ breaks the discrete symmetry inherent to the even zonal problem. In the even case, we find that Vinti's problem (J ₄+J ₂ ² =0) presents a degeneracy in the form of non-isolated equilibria; we surmise that the degeneracy is a reflection of the fact that Vinti's problem is separable. By numerical continuation we have discovered three families of frozen orbits in the full zonal problem under consideration; (1) a family of stable equilibria starting from the equatorial plane and tending to the critical inclination; (2) an unstable family arising from the bifurcation at the critical inclination; (3) a stable family also arising from that bifurcation and terminating with a polar orbit. Except in the neighborhood of the critical inclination, orbits in the stable families have very small eccentricities, and are thus well suited for survey missions.     

Resonance and Capture of Jupiter Comets

A number of Jupiter family comets such as Otermaand Gehrels 3make a rapid transition from heliocentric orbits outside the orbit of Jupiter to heliocentric orbits inside the orbit of Jupiter and vice versa. During this transition, the comet can be captured temporarily by Jupiter for one to several orbits around Jupiter. The interior heliocentric orbit is typically close to the 3:2 resonance while the exterior heliocentric orbit is near the 2:3 resonance. An important feature of the dynamics of these comets is that during the transition, the orbit passes close to the libration points L ₁and L ₂, two of the equilibrium points for the restricted three-body problem for the Sun-Jupiter system. Studying the libration point invariant manifold structures for L ₁and L ₂is a starting point for understanding the capture and resonance transition of these comets. For example, the recently discovered heteroclinic connection between pairs of unstable periodic orbits (one around the L ₁and the other around L ₂) implies a complicated dynamics for comets in a certain energy range. Furthermore, the stable and unstable invariant manifold tubes associated to libration point periodic orbits, of which the heteroclinic connections are a part, are phase space conduits transporting material to and from Jupiter and between the interior and exterior of Jupiter's orbit.     

Tilting Styx and Nix but not Uranus with a Spin-Precession-Mean-motion resonance

A Hamiltonian model is constructed for the spin axis of a planet perturbed by a nearby planet with both planets in orbit about a star. We expand the planet–planet gravitational potential perturbation to first order in orbital inclinations and eccentricities, finding terms describing spin resonances involving the spin precession rate and the two planetary mean motions. Convergent planetary migration allows the spinning planet to be captured into spin resonance. With initial obliquity near zero, the spin resonance can lift the planet’s obliquity to near 90\(^\circ \) or 180\(^\circ \) depending upon whether the spin resonance is first or zeroth order in inclination. Past capture of Uranus into such a spin resonance could give an alternative non-collisional scenario accounting for Uranus’s high obliquity. However, we find that the time spent in spin resonance must be so long that this scenario cannot be responsible for Uranus’s high obliquity. Our model can be used to study spin resonance in satellite systems. Our Hamiltonian model explains how Styx and Nix can be tilted to high obliquity via outward migration of Charon, a phenomenon previously seen in numerical simulations.     

Numerical study of the rectilinear isosceles restricted problem

We study the orbit of a particle in the plane of symmetry of two equal mass primaries in rectilinear keplerian motion. Using the surfaces of section we look for periodic orbits, examine their stability and search for quasi-periodic orbits and regions of escape. For large values of the angular momentumC, we verify the validity of the approximation of two fixed centers. However, we also find irregular families of orbits and resonance zones.For small values ofC, the approximation is no longer valid, but we find invariant curves whose interpretation might be interesting.     

Comparing maps to symplectic integrators in a galactic type Hamiltonian

We obtain thex - p _xPoincare phase plane for a two dimensional, resonant, galactic type Hamiltonian using conventional numerical integration, a second order symplectic integrator and a map based on the averaged Hamiltonian. It is found that all three methods give good results, for small values of the perturbation parameter, while the symplectic integrator does a better job than the mapping, for large perturbations. The dynamical spectra are used to distinguish between regular and chaotic motion.     

Canonical Modelling of Relative Spacecraft Motion Via Epicyclic Orbital Elements

This paper presents a Hamiltonian approach to modelling spacecraft motion relative to a circular reference orbit based on a derivation of canonical coordinates for the relative state-space dynamics. The Hamiltonian formulation facilitates the modelling of high-order terms and orbital perturbations within the context of the Clohessy–Wiltshire solution. First, the Hamiltonian is partitioned into a linear term and a high-order term. The Hamilton–Jacobi equations are solved for the linear part by separation, and new constants for the relative motions are obtained, called epicyclic elements. The influence of higher order terms and perturbations, such as Earth’s oblateness, are incorporated into the analysis by a variation of parameters procedure. As an example, closed-form solutions for J₂-invariant orbits are obtained.     

A Map for a Group of Resonant Cases in a quartic Galactic Hamiltonian

We present a map for the study of resonant motion in a potential made up of two harmonic oscillators with quartic perturbing terms. This potential can be considered to describe motion in the central parts of non-rotating elliptical galaxies. The map is based on the averaged Hamiltonian. Adding on a semi-empirical basis suitable terms in the unperturbed averaged Hamiltonian, corresponding to the 1:1 resonant case, we are able to construct a map describing motion in several resonant cases. The map is used in order to find thex − p _x Poincare phase plane for each resonance. Comparing the results of the map, with those obtained by numerical integration of the equation of motion, we observe, that the map describes satisfactorily the broad features of orbits in all studied cases for regular motion. There are cases where the map describes satisfactorily the properties of the chaotic orbits as well.     

On a class of variational equations transformable to the Gauss hypergeometric equation

A new class of linear ordinary differential equations with periodic coefficients is found which can be transformed to the Gauss hypergeometric equation, and therefore the monodromy matrices are computable explicitly. These equations appear as the variational equations around a straight-line solution in Hamiltonian systems of the form H = T(p) + V(q), where T(p) and V(q) are homogeneous functions of p and q, respectively.     

Resonant attitude instabilities for a symmetric satellite in a circular orbit

The roll-yaw attitude motion of a spinning symmetric satellite in a circular orbit is investigated with particular emphasis on the behavior near resonance. Resonance in circular orbit occurs if there is a low-order commensurability between the coupled roll-yaw attitude frequencies. For the so-called Delp region where the Hamiltonian describing the linearized attitude oscillations is not positive definite, there can exist, near resonance, a simultaneous growth or decay of the energy of the two normal modes. Two sections of the resonance line ₂=3 ₁ permitting the largest effects are determined and the equations of motion are integrated numerically as a check on the resonance theory. In particular, resonance-induced instabilities are confirmed.     

Normal form,Lie-Poisson structure and reduction for the Henon-Heiles system

The reduced Henon-Heiles system is investigated as a Hamiltonian dynamical system obtained by applying the normalization of the HamiltonianH=1/2(p ₁ ² +p ₂ ² +q ₁ ² +q ₂ ² )+1/3q ₁ ³ –q ₁ q ₂ ² to fourth-degree terms. The related equations of motion are bi-Hamiltonian and possess the Lie-Poisson structure. Each Lie-Poisson structure possesses an associated Casimir function. When reduced to level sets of these functions, the equations of motion take various symplectic forms. The various reductions give different coordinate representations of the solutions. These coordinate representations are used to seek the simplest representation of the solutions.     

Disintegration process of hierarchical triple systems. I. Small-mass planet orbiting equal-mass binary

The stability of hierarchical triple system is studied in the case of an extrasolar planet or a brown dwarf orbiting a pair of main sequence stars. The evolution of triple system is well modelled by random walk (RW) diffusion, particularly in the cases where the third body is small and tracing an orbit with a large eccentricity. A RW model neglects the fact that there are many periodic orbits accompanied by stability islands, and hence inherently overestimates the instability of the system. The present work is motivated by the hope to clarify how far the RW model is applicable. Escape time and the surface section technique are used to analyse the outcome of numerical integrations. The analysis shows that the RW-like model explains escape of the third body if the initial configuration is directly outside of the KAM tori. A small gap exists in (q ₂/a ₁, e ₂)-plane between locations of the stability limit curves based on our numerical study and on RW-model (the former is shifted by –1.4 in q ₂/a ₁ direction from the latter).     

Extended Schubart Averaging

The purpose of this paper is the presentation of an integrator for the average motion of an asteroid in mean motion commensurability with Jupiter. The program is valid for any (p+q)/p mean motion commensurability (except whenq=0) and uses a double precision version of DE (Shampine and Gordon 1975) as propagator. The averaged equations of motion of the asteroid are evaluated in a non-singular way for any value of the eccentricities and the inclinations and the orbit of Jupiter is described by the most important terms in Longstop 1B (Nobiliet al. 1989). This integrator can be considered as an extension of the well known Schubart Averaging (Schubart 1978) in which Jupiter is moving on a fixed ellipse.     

Recent progress in the theory and application of symplectic integrators

In this paper various aspect of symplectic integrators are reviewed. Symplectic integrators are numerical integration methods for Hamiltonian systems which are designed to conserve the symplectic structure exactly as the original flow. There are explicit symplectic schemes for systems of the formH=T(p)+V(q), and implicit schemes for general Hamiltonian systems. As a general property, symplectic integrators conserve the energy quite well and therefore an artificial damping (excitation) caused by the accumulation of the local truncation error cannot occur. Symplectic integrators have been applied to the Kepler problem, the motion of minor bodies in the solar system and the long-term evolution of outer planets.     

A mapping for the study of the 1/1 resonance in a galactic type Hamiltonian

We derive an algebraic mapping for an autonomous, two-dimensional galactic type Hamiltonian in the 1/1 resonance case. We use the mapping to study the stability of the periodic orbits. Using the x — p _x Poincaré surface section, we compare the results of the mapping with those found by the numerical integration of the full equations of motion. For small values of the perturbation the results of the two methods are in very good agreement while satisfactory agreement is obtained for larger perturbations.