Solar sail dynamics in the three-body problem: Homoclinic paths of points and orbits

In this paper we consider the orbital dynamics of a solar sail in the Earth-Sun circular restricted three-body problem. The equations of motion of the sail are given by a set of non-linear autonomous ordinary differential equations, which are non-conservative due to the non-central nature of the force on the sail. We consider first the equilibria and linearisation of the system, then examine the non-linear system paying particular attention to its periodic solutions and invariant manifolds. Interestingly, we find there are equilibria admitting homoclinic paths where the stable and unstable invariant manifolds are identical. What is more, we find that periodic orbits about these equilibria also admit homoclinic paths; in fact the entire unstable invariant manifold winds off the periodic orbit, only to wind back onto it in the future. This unexpected result shows that periodic orbits may inherit the homoclinic nature of the point about which they are described.     

Sensitive Dependence on Initial Conditions of Strongly Nonlinear Periodic Orbits of the Forced Pendulum

We employ nonsmooth transformations of the independent coordinate to analytically construct families of strongly nonlinear periodic solutions of the harmonically forced nonlinear pendulum. Each family is parametrized by the period of oscillation, and the solutions are based on piecewise constant generating solutions. By examining the behavior of the constructed solutions for large periods, we find that the periodic orbits develop sensitive dependence on initial conditions. As a result, for small perturbations of the initial conditions the response of the system can jump from one periodic orbit to another and the dynamics become unpredictable. An analytical procedure is described which permits the study of the generation of periodic orbits as the period increases. The periodic solutions constructed in this work provide insight into the sensitive dependence on initial conditions of chaotic trajectories close to transverse intersections of invariant manifolds of saddle orbits of forced nonlinear oscillators.     

Displaced orbits generated by solar sails for the hyperbolic and degenerated cases

Displaced non-Keplerian orbits above planetary bodies can be achieved by orientating the solar sail normal to the sun line. The dynamical systems techniques are employed to analyze the nonlinear dynamics of a displaced orbit and different topologies of equilibria are yielded from the basic configurations of Hill’s region, which have a saddlenode bifurcation point at the degenerated case. The solar sail near hyperbolic or degenerated equilibrium is quite unstable. Therefore, a controller preserving Hamiltonian structure is presented to stabilize the solar sail near hyperbolic or degenerated equilibrium, and to generate the stable Lissajous orbits that stay stable inside the stabilizing region of the controller. The main contribution of this paper is that the controller preserving Hamiltonian structure not only changes the instability of the equilibrium, but also makes the modified elliptic equilibrium become unique for the controlled system. The allocation law of the controller on the sail’s attitude and lightness number is obtained, which verifies that the controller is realizable.     

三体轨道动力学研究进展

三体系统轨道动力学问题是航天动力学领域中的经典问题,具有丰富的理论与工程意义,并将在人类由近地延伸到深空的航天活动过程中起到至关重要的作用.本文回顾并总结了三体系统轨道动力学相关研究进展,并结合未来的深空探测的发展趋势,展望了三体系统轨道动力学研究中的热点与挑战.首先阐述了三体问题的研究背景及意义,简要回顾了三体系统动...     

基于混合Lie算子辛算法的不变流形计算

平动点附近周期轨道的不变流形因其在低能轨道转移中起着重要作用而受到广泛关注.在设计低能轨道过程中不变流形要实时进行能量匹配,但利用传统数值积分方法进行积分时能量会耗散.显式辛算法具有比隐式辛算法计算效率高的优势,但其要求Hamilton系统必须分成两个可积的部分,而旋转坐标系下的圆型限制性三体问题是不可分的,因而显式辛算法难以用于求解旋转坐标系下的圆型限制性三体问题.本文通过引入混合Lie算子,成功实现了带三阶导数项的力梯度辛算法对圆型限制性三体问题的求解,并将基于混合Lie算子的带三阶导数项的辛算法与Runge-Kutta78算法和Runge-Kutta45算法进行仿真对比,仿真结果表明基于混合Lie算子的含有三阶导数项的辛算法位置精度高、能量误差小且计算效率高.利用基于混合Lie算子的带三阶导数项的辛算法计算不变流形,可以实现低能轨道转移过程中轨道拼接点的能量精准匹配.     

How to compute invariant manifolds and their reduced dynamics in high-dimensional finite element models

Invariant manifolds are important constructs for the quantitative and qualitative understanding of nonlinear phenomena in dynamical systems. In nonlinear damped mechanical systems, for instance, spectral submanifolds have emerged as useful tools for the computation of forced response curves, backbone curves, detached resonance curves (isolas) via exact reduced-order models. For conservative nonlinear mechanical systems, Lyapunov subcenter manifolds and their reduced dynamics provide a way to identify nonlinear amplitude–frequency relationships in the form of conservative backbone curves. Despite these powerful predictions offered by invariant manifolds, their use has largely been limited to low-dimensional academic examples. This is because several challenges render their computation unfeasible for realistic engineering structures described by finite element models. In this work, we address these computational challenges and develop methods for computing invariant manifolds and their reduced dynamics in very high-dimensional nonlinear systems arising from spatial discretization of the governing partial differential equations. We illustrate our computational algorithms on finite element models of mechanical structures that range from a simple beam containing tens of degrees of freedom to an aircraft wing containing more than a hundred–thousand degrees of freedom.

     

On the Global Geometric Structure of the Dynamics of the Elastic Pendulum

We approach the planar elastic pendulum as a singular perturbation of the pendulum to show that its dynamics are governed by global two-dimensional invariant manifolds of motion. One of the manifolds is nonlinear and carries purely slow periodic oscillations. The other one, on the other hand, is linear and carries purely fast radial oscillations. For sufficiently small coupling between the angular and radial degrees of freedom, both manifolds are global and orbitally stable up to energy levels exceeding that of the unstable equilibrium of the system. For fixed value of coupling, the fast invariant manifold bifurcates transversely to create unstable radial oscillations exhibiting energy transfer. Poincaré sections of iso-energetic manifolds reveal that only motions on and near a separatrix emanating from the unstable region of the fast invariant manifold exhibit energy transfer.     

Homoclinic Tubes in Discrete Nonlinear Schrödinger Equation under Hamiltonian Perturbations

In this paper, we study the discrete cubic nonlinear Schrödinger lattice under Hamiltonian perturbations. First we develop a complete isospectral theory relevant to the hyperbolic structures of the lattice without perturbations. In particular, Bäcklund–Darboux transformations are utilized to generate heteroclinic orbits and Melnikov vectors. Then we give coordinate-expressions for persistent invariant manifolds and Fenichel fibers for the perturbed lattice. Finally based upon the above machinery, existence of codimension 2 transversal homoclinic tubes is established through a Melnikov type calculation and an implicit function argument. We also discuss symbolic dynamics of invariant tubes each of which consists of a doubly infinite sequence of curve segments when the lattice is four dimensional. Structures inside the asymptotic manifolds of the transversal homoclinic tubes are studied, special orbits, in particular homoclinic orbits and heteroclinic orbits when the lattice is four dimensional, are studied.     

<Emphasis Type="Italic">J</Emphasis><Subscript>2</Subscript> invariant relative orbits via differential correction algorithm

This paper describes a practical method for finding the invariant orbits in J ₂ relative dynamics. Working with the Hamiltonian model of the relative motion including the J ₂ perturbation, the effective differential correction algorithm for finding periodic orbits in three-body problem is extended to formation flying of Earth’s orbiters. Rather than using orbital elements, the analysis is done directly in physical space, which makes a direct connection with physical requirements. The asymptotic behavior of the invariant orbit is indicated by its stable and unstable manifolds. The period of the relative orbits is proved numerically to be slightly different from the ascending node period of the leader satellite, and a preliminary explanation for this phenomenon is presented. Then the compatibility between J ₂ invariant orbit and desired relative geometry is considered, and the design procedure for the initial values of the compatible configuration is proposed. The influences of measure errors on the invariant orbit are also investigated by the Monte–Carlo simulation. The project supported by the Innovation Foundation of Beihang University for Ph.D. Graduates, and the National Natural Science Foundation of China (60535010).     

Birth of periodic and artificial halo orbits in the restricted three-body problem

We investigate the bifurcation of artificial halo orbits from the Lyapunov planar family of periodic orbits around the collinear libration points of the circular, spatial, restricted three-body problem. Beside the gravitational forces, our model includes also the effect of the Solar Radiation Pressure (SRP) and this motivates the use of the term ‘artificial’ halo orbits. Indeed, as a typical problem, one may think of a solar sail, which is characterized by a performance parameter measuring the strength of the effect of the SRP on the spacecraft.To settle the model, we determine the position of the collinear points as a function of the mass and performance parameters and the energy values at which Hill׳s surfaces allow for transit orbits between the primaries. To analyze the dynamics we use a consolidated procedure which consists in the computation of a resonant normal form, allowing the reduction to the center manifold and providing an integrable approximation of the Hamiltonian dynamical system. Finally, we compute the bifurcation thresholds of the 1:1 resonant periodic orbit families (which have the standard ‘halo’ orbits as their first member) as a function of the performance and mass parameters.The results show that SRP is indeed a relevant ingredient for new dynamical features and must definitely be considered when planning a mission of a solar sail with trajectories in the neighborhoods of collinear points.     

Normal modes for piecewise linear vibratory systems

A method to construct the normal modes for a class of piecewise linear vibratory systems is developed in this study. The approach utilizes the concepts of Poincaré maps and invariant manifolds from the theory of dynamical systems. In contrast to conventional methods for smooth systems, which expand normal modes in a series form around an equilibrium point of interest, the present method expands the normal modes in a series form of polar coordinates in a neighborhood of an invariant disk of the system. It is found that the normal modes, modal dynamics and frequency-amplitude dependence relationship are all of piecewise type. A two degree of freedom example is used to demonstrate the method.     

Bifurcations of double homoclinic flip orbits with resonant eigenvalues

Concerns double homoclinic loops with orbit flips and two resonant eigen- values in a four-dimensional system.We use the solution of a normal form system to construct a singular map in some neighborhood of the equilibrium,and the solution of a linear variational system to construct a regular map in some neighborhood of the double homoclinic loops,then compose them to get the important Poincarémap.A simple cal- culation gives explicitly an expression of the associated successor function.By a delicate analysis of the bifurcation equation,we obtain the condition that the original double homoclinic loops are kept,and prove the existence and the existence regions of the large 1-homoclinic orbit bifurcation surface,2-fold large 1-periodic orbit bifurcation surface, large 2-homoclinic orbit bifurcation surface and their approximate expressions.We also locate the large periodic orbits and large homoclinic orbits and their number.     

Detecting stable�Cunstable nonlinear invariant manifold and?homoclinic orbits in mechanical systems

We consider a four-dimensional Hamiltonian system representing the reduced-order (two-mode) dynamics of a buckled beam, where the nonlinearity comes from the axial deformation in moderate displacements, according to classical theories. The system has a saddle-center equilibrium point, and we pay attention to the existence and detection of the stable?Cunstable nonlinear manifold and of homoclinic solutions, which are the sources of complex and chaotic dynamics observed in the system response. The system has also a coupling nonlinear parameter, which depends on the boundary conditions, and is zero, e.g., for the beam hinged?Chinged ends and different from zero, e.g., for the beam fixed?Cfixed ends. The invariant manifold in the latter case is detected assuming that it can be represented as a graph over the plane spanned by the unstable (principal) variable and its velocity. We show by a series solution that the manifold exists but has a limited extension, not sufficient for the deployment of the homoclinic orbit. Thus, the homoclinic orbit is addressed directly, irrespective of its belonging to the invariant manifold. By means of the perturbation method, it is shown that it exists only on some curves of the governing parameters space, which branch from a fundamental path. This shows that the homoclinic orbit is not generic. These results have been confirmed by numerical simulations and by a different analytical technique.     

Elucidating the escape dynamics of the four hill potential

This paper treads discontinuous bifurcation in piecewise smooth systems of Filippov type. These bifurcations occur when a fixed point or a periodic orbit crosses with the border between two regions of smooth behavior. A detailed analysis of generalization Poincaré map and monodromy matrix which are related shows that subfamily of system with invariant cone-like objects is foliated by periodic orbits and determines its stability. In addition, we introduce a theoretical framework for analyzing 3D perturbed nonlinear piecewise smooth systems and give necessary conditions so that different types of bifurcations occur. The analysis identifies criteria for the existence of a novel bifurcation based on sensitively the location of the return map. Moreover, the piecewise smooth Melnikov function and sufficient conditions of the existence of the periodic orbits for nonlinear perturbed system are explicitly obtained.     

Periodic solutions and stability of a tethered satellite system

In this paper, several criteria on the existence of periodic solutions for a tethered satellite system (TSS) in an elliptical orbit, as well as the uniqueness of periodic solutions for the TSS in a circular orbit are presented on the basis of coincidence degree theory. In addition, the conditions on the global asymptotic stability of the equilibrium states for the TSS are also addressed in accordance with the Lyapunov stability theory and Barbashin–Krasovski theory.     

Periodic and Homoclinic Motions in Forced,Coupled Oscillators

We study periodic and homoclinic motions in periodically forced, weakly coupled oscillators with a form of perturbations of two independent planar Hamiltonian systems. First, we extend the subharmonic Melnikov method, and give existence, stability and bifurcation theorems for periodic orbits. Second, we directly apply or modify a version of the homoclinic Melnikov method for orbits homoclinic to two types of periodic orbits. The first type of periodic orbit results from persistence of the unperturbed hyperbolic periodic orbit, and the second type is born out of resonances in the unperturbed invariant manifolds. So we see that some different types of homoclinic motions occur. The relationship between the subharmonic and homoclinic Melnikov theories is also discussed. We apply these theories to the weakly coupled Duffing oscillators.     

非自旋航天器混沌姿态运动及其参数开闭环控制

研究万有引力场中受大气阻力且存在结构内阻尼的非自旋航天器在椭圆轨道上平面天平动的混沌及其参数开闭环控制问题．在建立数学模型的基础上确定出现混沌的必要条件并数值验证混沌的存在性，提出非线性振动系统混沌运动的参数开闭环控制并应用于控制航天器的混沌姿态运动．     

Identifying invariant manifold using phase space warping and stochastic interrogation

Advances in the generalization of invariant manifolds to finite time, experimental (or observational) flows have stimulated many recent developments in the approximation of invariant manifolds and Lagrangian coherent structures. This paper explores the identification of invariant manifold like structures in experimental settings, where knowledge of a flow field is absent, but phase space trajectories can be experimentally measured. Several existing methods for the approximation of these structures modified for application when only unstructured trajectory data is available. We find the recently proposed method, based on the concept of phase space warping, to outperform other methods as data becomes limited and show it to extend the finite-time Lyapunov exponent method. This finding is based on a comparison of methods for various data quantities and in the presence of both measurement and dynamic noise.     

The invariant manifold approach applied to nonlinear dynamics of a rotor-bearing system

The invariant manifold approach is used to explore the dynamics of a nonlinear rotor, by determining the nonlinear normal modes, constructing a reduced order model and evaluating its performance in the case of response to an initial condition. The procedure to determine the approximation of the invariant manifolds is discussed and a strategy to retain the speed dependent effects on the manifolds without solving the eigenvalue problem for each spin speed is presented. The performance of the reduced system is analysed in function of the spin speed.     

Inertial Manifolds and Forms for Stochastically Perturbed Retarded Semilinear Parabolic Equations

We construct inertial manifolds for a class of random dynamical systems generated by retarded semilinear parabolic equations subjected to additive white noise. These inertial manifolds are finite-dimensional invariant surfaces, which attract exponentially all trajectories. We study the corresponding inertial forms, i.e., the restriction of the stochastic equation to the inertial manifold. These inertial forms are finite-dimensional Ito equations and they completely describe the long-time dynamics of the system under consideration. The existence of inertial manifolds and the properties of inertial forms allow us to show that under mild additional conditions the system has a global (random) attractor in the sense of the theory of random dynamical systems.