Accession Number:

ADA230613

Title:

Numerical Analysis of Critical Inclinations about the Planet Mars

Descriptive Note:

Master's thesis

Corporate Author:

AIR FORCE INST OF TECH WRIGHT-PATTERSON AFB OH

Personal Author(s):

• Hyatt, Kenneth J.

Report Date:

1990-11-01

Pagination or Media Count:

113.0

Abstract:

This study investigated critical inclinations about the planet Mars. Averaged equations of motion were numerically integrated over a time span of ten Earth years for various inclinations, eccentricities, and perigee heights. Each orbit i.e. set of initial conditions produced a standard deviation of the variations in eccentricity SDE and inclination SDI. These were calculated using a polynomial approximation to the variations. Surface plots of SDI and SDE vs the initial conditions are then examined to ascertain the critical inclinations.

Descriptors:

• *TIME INTERVALS
• NUMERICAL ANALYSIS
• SURFACES
• MARS(PLANET)
• POLYNOMIALS
• STANDARD DEVIATION
• PLOTTING
• ECCENTRICITY
• EQUATIONS OF MOTION
• APPROXIMATION(MATHEMATICS)

Subject Categories:

• Celestial Mechanics

Distribution Statement:

APPROVED FOR PUBLIC RELEASE