Numerical study of a billiard in a gravitational field (Q1085641)

Billiards have always been used as models for mechanical systems. In this paper we describe a very simple billiard which, over a range of one continuous parameter only, exhibits the characteristics of Hamiltonian systems having two degrees of freedom and a discontinuity. The relationship between this billiard and the well-known one-dimensional self-gravitating system (with \(N=3)\) is given. This billiard consists of a mass point moving in a symmetric wedge of angle \(2\theta\) under the influence of a constant gravitational field. For \(\theta <45\circ\) KAM and chaotic regions coexist in the phase space. A specific family of curves, related to collisions at the wedge vertex, limits the expansion of near-integrable regions. For \(\theta =45\circ\), the motion is strictly integrable. Finally, for \(\theta >45\circ\), complete chaos is obtained, suggesting K-system behavior. The general properties of the mapping and some numerical results obtained are discussed. Of special interest are invariant curves which cross a line of discontinuity, and a new ''universality'' class for Lyapunov numbers.