Three-body Scattering
A simulation of an interaction between three stars
Stars 1 and 2 are initially in a bound orbit; star 3 approaches from infinity.
The length unit is such that the inner (1,2) orbit has a semi-major axis of 1.
The mass unit is such that the inner (1,2) binary has a total mass of 1.
To start the simulation we must set (i) the velocity at infinity and impact parameter of the outer orbit, (ii) the eccentricity of the inner orbit, and (iii) all stellar masses and radii.
All other orbital parameters are chosen at random. To get a really random run, don't set the random seed. Otherwise, specify a seed in the box below to initialize the pseudo-random sequence.
Unit velocity at infinity corresponds to zero total energy. Choosing a velocity much less than 1 (try 0.1) may result in a resonance interaction, which can be quite lengthy, so be patient, especially if the "animations" option is selected.
Animations are now working! Warning: they may stress your browser!
--> To work in physical stellar units, click here.
Set stellar parameters: