Geometric parametrization of binary elastic collisions
Classical Physics
2011-04-12 v2 Astrophysics
General Relativity and Quantum Cosmology
Space Physics
Abstract
A geometric view of the possible outcomes of elastic collisions of two massive bodies is developed that integrates laboratory, center of mass, and relative body frames in a single diagram. From these diagrams all the scattering properties of binary collisions can be obtained. The particular case of gravitational scattering by a moving massive object corresponds to the slingshot maneuver, and its maximum velocity is obtained.
Cite
@article{arxiv.physics/0602138,
title = {Geometric parametrization of binary elastic collisions},
author = {Amaro J. Rica da Silva and José P. S. Lemos},
journal= {arXiv preprint arXiv:physics/0602138},
year = {2011}
}
Comments
7 pages, 5 figures