TIDAL NUMBERS AND PHASES AS DEDUCED FROM SATELLITE ORBITS.
Abstract
The paper uses perturbations in the inclination and in the longitude of the node for four nearly polar satellites to find values of the tidal number k and of the phases for the lunar and solar semi-diurnal tides. In order to obtain the desired accuracy, it was necessary to include the following perturbations in the analysis: (1) differences between UT2c and UT1, (2) the motions of the true coordinate systems of date, including the rotation of the ecliptic, (3) atmospheric drag, (4) radiation pressure, including radiation scattered or emitted by the satellite and including radiation scattered by the earth as well as direct sunlight, (5) the atmospheric tide, (6) the gravitational perturbations produced by the sun and moon, and (7) the perturbations due to the zonal gravity harmonics. For many of these existing perturbation procedures are not accurate enough, and new methods were devised. The new methods are described. By-products of the perturbation analysis include a small decrease in estimates of upper atmosphere wind velocities and a substantial increase in the estimated torque due to the atmospheric tide. The value found for the ratio of lunar to solar tidal friction torques is considerably greater than that given by any existing model, but is closer to the value generally given for linear friction than to that for non-linear friction. This does not imply that the friction is linear. It is shown that the relation between the torque ratio and the type of friction depends upon an unknown parameter of the oceans. Over a large range of this parameter, which includes plausible values, the ratio of the friction torques is independent of the law of friction. (Author)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Apr 01, 1967
- Accession Number
- AD0655458
Entities
People
- Robert R. Newton
Organizations
- Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory