Potential theory: equigravitating line segments for axisymmetric bodies. (Q1852508)

The aim of this paper is to develop general analytical methods for replacing three-dimensional gravitating axisymmetric bodies by one-dimensional sources of attraction. A number of examples demonstrate the usefulness of the methods. Such line segments significantly simplify the representation of external fields of self-gravitating bodies, which is important for numerous practical applications of potential theory in astronomy, celestial mechanics, and geophysics.