Comparison of the Patched-Conic and Linearization Methods in the Solution of Three-Body Problems

摘要

The accuracy of the patched-conic and linearization methods in predicting trajectories in a Sun-Planet system are compared. Forty-two series of trajectories were computed for forty-two different assumed initial positions and velocities. Each series consisted of an integrated three-body trajectory, a linearized trajectory and a two-body trajectory. It was shown that for all cases in which the linearization theory applied, this method was more accurate than the patched-conic method in approximating the actual three-body trajectory. It was further shown that in some cases the linearization method could be applied where the patched-conic method could not. (Author)