Dynamics of Radially Accelerated Trajectories

Abstract

Orbital motion under a continuous outward radial acceleration as a function of the distance from the central body is investigated analytically. The attainable maximum radial distance is given as a function of the radial acceleration, and numerical experiments are carried out showing some periodic orbits under radial acceleration. Three representative cases are treated: constant radial acceleration; radial acceleration proportional to inverse radial distance; and radial acceleration inversely proportional to square of radial distance. This paper focuses on the second case, which has not been reported in the literature. The results are applicable for mini-magnetospheric plasma propulsion.