arXiv subjects

Renu Malhotra

Publications and source records attributed to Renu Malhotra.

111 records · Page 7Linked to original sources

arXiv1994

A Mapping for the Gravitational Few-Body Problem with Dissipation

Recently a new class of numerical integration methods -- ``mixed variable symplectic integrators'' -- has been introduced for studying long-term evolution in the conservative gravitational few-body problem. These integrators are an order of magnitude faster than conventional ODE integration methods. Here I present a simple modification of this method to include small non-gravitational forces. The new scheme provides a similar advantage of computational speed for a larger class of problems in Solar System dynamics.

astro-ph↗

arXiv1994

Nonlinear Resonances in the Solar System

Orbital resonances are ubiquitous in the Solar system. They play a decisive role in the long term dynamics, and in some cases the physical evolution, of the planets and of their natural satellites, as well as the evolution of small bodies (including dust) in the planetary system. The few-body gravitational problem of hierarchical planetary-type systems allows for a complex range of dynamical timescales, from the fast orbital periods to the very slow orbit precession rates. The interaction of fast and slow degrees of freedom produces a rich diversity of resonance phenomena. Weak dissipative effects --- such as tides or radiation drag forces --- also produce unexpectedly rich dynamical behaviors. This paper provides a mostly qualitative discussion of simple dynamical models for the commonly encountered orbital resonance phenomena in the Solar system.

chao-dyn↗

arXiv1994

Dynamical Model of Pulsar-Planet Systems

About two years ago, Wolszczan and Frail announced the detection of a possible planetary system consisting of two Earth-mass planets around a millisecond pulsar. It was pointed out shortly thereafter that the mutual gravitational interaction of the planets leads to predictable evolution of their orbits. Because millisecond pulsars are very stable ``clocks'' and allow pulse timing measurements with microsecond precision, the orbit evolution would lead to a measurable modulation of the arrival times of the pulses. Detection of this effect would serve to corroborate the planetary interpretation of the data and provide additional constraints on the system. The theory of planetary perturbations in the context of pulsar timing observations is summarized here.

astro-ph↗