Orbital Dynamics in the Gravitational Field of Small Bodies [Paperback]

This prizewinning PhD thesis presents a general discussion of the orbital motion close to solar system small bodies (SSSBs), which induce non-central asymmetric gravitational fields in their neighborhoods. It introduces the methods of qualitative theory in nonlinear dynamics to the study of local/global behaviors around SSSBs. Detailed mechanical models are employed throughout this dissertation, and specific numeric techniques are developed to compensate for the difficulties of directly analyzing. Applying this method, several target systems, like asteroid 216 Kleopatra, are explored in great detail, and the results prove to be both revealing and pervasive for a large group of SSSBs. 

Introduction.- SSSB Model and equations of motion.- Stability of equilibrium points and the local behavior of orbits.- Topology and stability of large-scale periodic orbits.- Resonant orbit near the equatorial plane.- Free motion of a particle close to the surface of SSSBs.- Conclusions and future directions.Dr. Yang Yu received his Ph. D. degree from Tsinghua University in 2013. Currently Dr. Yu is Postdoc researcher at Observatoire de la C?te d'Azur, Nice in France. He works on nonlinear dynamics and space exploration of asteroids, and his Ph. D. thesis has won Excellent Doctoral Dissertation of Tsinghua University in 2014.

Publications:
1. Yu Y., Baoyin H., Li J. Dynamic modeling and analysis of space webs. Science China Physics, Mechanics & Astronomy, 2011, 54(4): 783-791. (IF: 0.863)
2. Yu Y., Baoyin H. Orbital dynamics in the vicinity of asteroid 216  Kleopatra. The Astronomical Journal, 2012, 143, 62. (IF: 4.052)
3. Yu Y., Baoyin H. Resonant orbits in the vicinity of asteroid 216 leopatra. Astrophysics and Space Science, 2013, 343(1): 75-82. (IF: 2.401)
4. Yu Y., Baoyin H. Generating families of 3D periodic orbits about asteroids. Monthly notices olă!