Planetary Dynamics

Recommended Prerequisites

Classical Mechanics, Linear Algebra and Analytic Geometry, Infinitesimal Analysis.

Teaching Methods

15 weeks of classes (60 h), distributed as follows:
Lectures (T): 2 h / week;
Exercises (TP): 2 h / week
Avaliação Final:
• 100.00% TP (Exame Final).

Learning Outcomes

This course aims at letting the students understand the evolution of planetary (or stellar) systems: orbital interactions, spin movements, resonances, chaos, tidal forces, interaction with planetesimals discs and / or magnetic fields.
Familiarize students with modern concepts and tools for studying the dynamics of celestial bodies, developing mathematical and geometric reasoning, and solidifying many of the knowledge about the laws of physics previously acquired.

Work Placement(s)

No

Syllabus

Part I - Orbital Dynamics
- Elliptical expansions
- Canonical variables
- Two body systems
- Disturbing function
- Secular perturbations
- Mean-motion resonances
- Hierarchical systems
- Planet-Satellite systems
- N-body systems
- Symplectic integrators
Part II - Spin Dynamics
- Free body dynamics
- Andoyer variables
- Gravitational potential
- Spin-orbit interactions
- Spin-orbit resonances
- Centrifugal potential
- Tidal potential
- Tidal dissipation.

Head Lecturer(s)

Alexandre Carlos Morgado Correia

Assessment Methods

Assessment
Exam: 100.0%

Bibliography

- Resumos das aulas colocados no InforDocente;
- Murray & Dermott, “Solar System Dynamics”, Cambridge University Press;
- Tremaine, “Dynamics of Planetary Systems”, Princeton University Press;
- Morbidelli, “Modern Celestial Mechanics . Apects of Solar System Dynamics”, CRC Press.