Zero-velocity surface in the general three-body-problem (Q6040321)

In this paper, the author constructs the zero-velocity surfaces of the general planar three-body problem (where the masses \(m_1\), \(m_2\), \(m_3\), are different from zero) in form space, i.e., the configuration space which is factorized by transfer and rotation. The factor space is a space of congruent triangles, and the spheres in this space are similar triangles. The integral of energy in form space gives the equation of a zero-velocity surface. Such surfaces separate areas of possible motions from areas where motion is impossible. Here, the author takes the constant energy equals to \(-1/2\) and he seeks for surfaces depending only on the magnitude of the angular momentum \(J\), and depending on this value, five topologically different types of surfaces have been distinguished. For small \(J\), this surface consists of two parts: the outer one and an internal one, and the motion is possible only between them. The inner surface is compact and has a singularity at the origin. As \(J\) increases, the outer surface decreases and the inner surface increases, and with a further increasing in \(J\), their topological type changes and finally the zero-velocity surface splits into three non-intersecting surfaces, and motion is possible only inside them. Finally, examples of the corresponding surfaces are given for each of these types, the surfaces are constructed, and their cross-sections in the planes \(xy\) and \(xz\) together with their properties are studied, as well.