Jump of the adiabatic invariant at a separatrix crossing: degenerate cases (Q2428009)

The authors consider a two-variable autonomous Hamiltonian system with fast and slow motions where \(\epsilon\) describes the difference in the time scales. An adiabatic invariant is the area bounded by a trajectory in the fast phase plane. It is preserved along phase trajectories of the exact system with accuracy to order \(\epsilon\) on time intervals of order \(\epsilon^{-1}\), so long as the trajectory is sufficiently far from the separatrix of the fast motion. The position of the separatrix curve depends on the slow variables. In the process of slow evolution the phase trajectories can approach and cross the separatrix, at which point the value of the adiabatic invariant jumps. The jump depends on the phase variable at the crossing, so can be considered as a quasi-random variable. In papers referenced by the authors expressions for the jump have been obtained for regular points of crossing of a separatrix. In this paper the authors consider a very degenerate case: the separatrix is shaped like the number 8 except that, at the intersection, the two parts of the curve are tangent. They assume that this degeneration is preserved throughout the slow motion. Under a number of mathematical assumptions they obtain formulas for the jumps of the adiabatic invariant in various possible crossings of the separatrix. They argue for the physical relevance of the results and apply their theory to a description of ion motion in a magnetic field of small curvature radius.