On linking coefficient of two Keplerian orbits (Q1568167)

The authors propose three criteria to distinguish linked, nonlinked and coplanar or intersecting positions of two Keplerian orbits. The function of the set elements of pairs of Keplerian ellipses is defined in such a way that the sign of the function is a topological invariant of ellipses' configuration. In particular, the sign of the function is negative if and only if the related ellipses are linked. The authors also give formulas which represent the linking coefficients as functions of orbital elements.