Studies in the application of recurrence relations to special perturbation methods

A set of differential equations is derived that has a number of advantages in special perturbation work. In particular, the equations remain valid for all values of the orbital eccentricity and inclination including zero. They are therefore applicable to parabolic- and hyperbolic-type orbits as well as elliptic-type; a scheme for use when the orbit is rectilinear or nearly so is provided. The equations are also much simpler in form than the Lagrange planetary equations and the transformations of the osculating elements to and from the rectangular coordinates are straightforward.