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Jacobi Integral
Consider the function
 |
(1039) |
The time derivative of this function is
written
 |
(1040) |
Moreover, it follows, from Equations (1032)-(1033) and (1037)-(1038),
that
Combining Equations (1034)-(1036) with the above three expressions, we obtain (after considerable
algebra)
 |
(1043) |
In other words, the function
--which is usually referred to as the Jacobi integral--is a constant of the motion.
Now, we can rearrange Equation (1039) to give
 |
(1044) |
where
is the energy (per unit mass) of mass
,
its angular momentum
(per unit mass), and
the orbital angular velocity of the other two masses.
Note, however, that
is not a constant of the motion. Hence,
is not
a constant of the motion either. In fact, the Jacobi integral is the only constant of the
motion in the circular restricted three-body problem. Incidentally, the energy
of mass
is not a conserved quantity because the other two masses in the system
are moving.
Next: Tisserand Criterion
Up: The Three-Body Problem
Previous: Circular Restricted Three-Body Problem
Richard Fitzpatrick
2011-03-31