Vibrational stability of double-star Roche model (Q1091158)

A gravitational dipole consisting of two finite masses and rotating with the Keplerian angular velocity executes small oscillations superposed on this motion. Linearized equations are established in Clairaut- coordinates, they are inhomogeneous and have constant coefficients. The terms causing inhomogeneity are such that solution for zero initial conditions contains secular terms (as function of time). According to the author it can happen by examining nonlinear equations of the problem that after all stability (not detailing which kind of stability is ment) of this motion can occur. Stating identity of the above problem with the studying of the restricted three-body problem in space in the vicinity of the surface of the zero velocities some interesting remarks are made. For example: a) using the zero-velocity curves as variational orbits is not always possible; application of Clairaut (or Roche) coordinates cannot be avoided generally, b) singularities of this problem are not always removable.