Solution
ID: past-exam-of-the-mathematics-course-of-the-university-of-cambridge/2019/iii/paper-316/4/i/solution
Past exam of the mathematics course of the University of Cambridge 2019 iii Paper 316 4 i Solution by
Codex 0 Created 2026-10-03 Updated 2026-10-05
The variables are complex inclinations, despite the question's description as eccentricities. Diagonalize the Laplace-Lagrange inclination matrix: let real eigenvectors satisfy , and form . The physical matrix is diagonalizable by positive diagonal symmetrization of a matrix, as shown below.
The matrix exponential solution isWrite with , and define . This givesThe eigenvalues determine nodal precession frequencies, the eigenvectors determine relative inclinations within each secular eigenmode, and the initial complex inclinations determine their amplitudes and phases. The real can have either sign, encoding opposite nodal phases. The zero-frequency mode is a common fixed tilt.
New to topics? Read the docs here!