Beyond-Newtonian dynamics of a planar circular restricted three-body problem with Kerr-like primaries

Abstract

ABSTRACT The dynamics of the planar circular restricted three-body problem with Kerr-like primaries in the context of a beyond-Newtonian approximation is studied. The beyond-Newtonian potential is developed by using the Fodor–Hoenselaers–Perjés procedure. An expansion in the Kerr potential is performed and terms up to the first non-Newtonian contribution of both the mass and spin effects are included. With this potential, a model for a test particle of infinitesimal mass orbiting in the equatorial plane of the two primaries is examined. The introduction of a parameter, ϵ, allows examination of the system as it transitions from the Newtonian to the beyond-Newtonian regime. The evolution and stability of the fixed points of the system as a function of the parameter ϵ is also studied. The dynamics of the particle is studied using the Poincaré map of section and the Maximal Lyapunov Exponent as indicators of chaos. Intermediate values of ϵ seem to be the most chaotic for the two cases of primary mass ratios (=0.001, 0.5) examined. The amount of chaos in the system remains higher than the Newtonian system as well as for the planar circular restricted three-body problem with Schwarzschild-like primaries for all non-zero values of ϵ.