On the existence of doubly symmetric ``Schubart-like'' periodic orbits (Q414746)

The author studies planar Hamiltonian systems in potential form to which certain \(n\)-body problems can be reduced. The systems possess singularities which are interpreted as collisions. The author provides sufficient conditions on the potential for the systems to possess ``Schubart-like'' symmetric orbits which are completely determined by their behaviour in a quarter of the period (hence called doubly symmetric). She uses a qualitative approach. A key step is the study of the system near a total collision using McGehee blow-up coordinates. As examples three subproblems of the \(n\)-body problem are studied: the \(n\)-pyramidal problem, the \(2N\)-planar problem and the double polygonal problem.