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Topic:
Resonances
What is a resonance?
A resonance is when two characteristic
frequencies of a system match up
Typically such a match-up (and even an almostmatch-up) has dynamical consequences (causing
instability in an otherwise stable system or
stability in an otherwise unstable system)
In planetary systems numerous possible
resonances are possible:
Resonant angle
1(t) and 2(t) are the true anomalies of the
planets 1 and 2. For circular orbits they are
simply: 1(t)=1t and 2(t)=2t. For noncircular orbits they are of course non-linear
with time.
2(t)
1(t)
p,0 (t) p t t p
So the resonant angle is constant. These two planets are in 1:1
resonance.
= mm resonance
0
After Murray & Dermott
time
Not bound,
so no
resonance.
p,q(t)
2
time
Without gravitational forces, we only get a 1:1 resonance if 1===2. This is
never exactly the case! So gravity plays a key role in resonances.
d2 p,q(t)
2
Location of p,q-resonances
Locations of the p,q-resonances:
p=1,2,3,4
q=0,1,2,3,4,5
p=1,2,....,10
q=1
t=882 Myr
t=879 Myr
t=1100 Myr
G. Bryden