The Motion of a Particle in Orbit Around a Growing Mass,

Abstract

The problem discussed is the following: What happens to the orbital eccentricity of a particle in orbit around a body that is accumulating mass by accretion. This question occurred to the writer in connection with studies on the origin of planetary systems. It was concluded, from a computer analysis, that the orbital eccentricity of a particle in orbit around a gradually growing mass does not change significantly with time. Thus the observed low orbital eccentricities in the solar system, assuming the above conclusion can be applied to multibody systems, must result from some other mechanism.

Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Aug 01, 1973
Accession Number
ADA002174

Entities

People

  • S. H. Dole

Organizations

  • RAND Corporation

Tags

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Computers
  • Eccentricity
  • Particles
  • Solar System

Fields of Study

  • Physics

Readers

  • Aerosol Science/Aerosol Physics
  • Space Exploration and Orbital Mechanics.
  • Systems Analysis and Design

Technology Areas

  • Space
  • Space - Orbital Debris