Gauss Principle of Least Compulsion for Relative Motion Dynamics and Differential Equations of Motion

Abstract

This paper focuses on Gauss principle of least compulsion for relative motion dynamics and derives differential equations of motion from it. Firstly, starting from the dynamic equation of the relative motion of particles, we give the Gauss principle of relative motion dynamics. By constructing a compulsion function of relative motion, we prove that at any instant, its real motion minimizes the compulsion function under Gaussian variation, compared with the possible motions with the same configuration and velocity but different accelerations. Secondly, the formula of acceleration energy and the formula of compulsion function for relative motion are derived because the carried body is rigid and moving in a plane. Thirdly, the Gauss principle we obtained is expressed as Appell, Lagrange, and Nielsen forms in generalized coordinates. Utilizing Gauss principle, the dynamical equations of relative motion are established. Finally, two relative motion examples also verify the results' correctness.