On some Refraction Billiards

TL;DR

This paper investigates the complex dynamics of a particle influenced by a galaxy with a biaxial harmonic core and a central black hole, focusing on periodic orbits and caustics using advanced mathematical theories.

Contribution

It extends previous models by analyzing periodic and quasi-periodic orbits in perturbed circular domains with refraction at interfaces, applying KAM and Aubry-Mather theories.

Findings

Identification of conditions for periodic orbits

Characterization of caustics in perturbed domains

Application of KAM and Aubry-Mather theories to refraction billiards

Abstract

The aim of this work is to continue the analysis, started in arXiv:2105.02108, of the dynamics of a point-mass particle $P$ moving in a galaxy with an harmonic biaxial core, in whose center sits a Keplerian attractive center (e.g. a Black Hole). Accordingly, the plane $\mathbb R^2$ is divided into two complementary domains, depending on whether the gravitational effects of the galaxy's mass distribution or of the Black Hole prevail. Thus, solutions alternate arcs of Keplerian hyperbolae with harmonic ellipses; at the interface, the trajectory is refracted according to Snell's law. The model was introduced in arXiv:1501.05577, in view of applications to astrodynamics. In this paper we address the general issue of periodic and quasi-periodic orbits and associated caustics when the domain is a perturbation of the circle, taking advantage of KAM and Aubry-Mather theories.