The Two-Body Problem of Classical Electrodynamics

Abstract

Various competing mathematical models are used in classical electrodynamics. To test, and possibly eliminate, some of these models one can apply them to the two body problem and see whether reasonable results are obtained. In one model it is assumed that each particle is influenced by both the past and future behavior of the other. The special case of two electrons moving symmetrically in one dimension was considered; and it was found that this curious model does make sense mathematically provided the two electrons never get too close together. Further studies under this grant led to a simple method for analyzing the asymptotic behavior of solutions problem of certain linear delay differential equations. This is useful in a one-body problem of electrodynamics with radiation reaction,in problems of control theory with time lags, in the telegraph equation, and other applications. Currently work in progress is aimed at understanding the simplest n-body problem of electrodynamics with interactions occurring only through retarded fields.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Aug 29, 1979
Accession Number
ADA214672

Entities

People

  • Rodney D. Driver

Organizations

  • University of Rhode Island

Tags

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Charged Particles
  • Circular Orbits
  • Differential Equations
  • Electrodynamics
  • Electrons
  • Equations
  • Equations Of Motion
  • Integral Equations
  • Mathematical Analysis
  • Mathematical Models
  • Mathematics
  • N Body Problem
  • New York
  • Nonlinear Differential Equations
  • Particles
  • Radiation
  • Rhode Island

Readers

  • Calculus or Mathematical Analysis
  • Plasma Physics / Magnetohydrodynamics
  • Theoretical Analysis.

Technology Areas

  • Microelectronics