Numerical approach to second-order canonical perturbation theory in the planetary 3-body problem: Application to exoplanets

TL;DR

This paper introduces a numerical second-order perturbation theory approach for the planetary 3-body problem, enabling accurate long-term evolution simulations of diverse exoplanetary systems without convergence issues.

Contribution

We develop a robust numerical method based on Lie transform formalism that avoids orbital element expansions, extending secular theory applicability to highly eccentric and inclined systems.

Findings

Validated against Sun-Jupiter-Saturn system

Successfully modeled exoplanet systems like WASP-148 and GJ 876

Demonstrated broader applicability and improved convergence

Abstract

Extrasolar planetary systems commonly exhibit planets on eccentric orbits, with many systems located near or within mean-motion resonances, showcasing a wide diversity of orbital architectures. Such complex systems challenge traditional secular theories, which are limited to first-order approximations in planetary masses or rely on expansions in orbital elements--eccentricities, inclinations, and semi-major axis ratios--that are subject to convergence issues, especially in highly eccentric, inclined, or tightly-packed systems. To overcome these limitations, we develop a numerical approach to second-order perturbation theory based on the Lie transform formalism. Our method avoids the need for expansions in orbital elements, ensuring broader applicability and more robust convergence. We first outline the Hamiltonian framework for the 3-body planetary problem, and apply a canonical transformation to eliminate fast angle dependencies, deriving the secular Hamiltonian up to second order in the mass ratio. We then use the fast Fourier transform algorithm to numerically simulate, in an accurate way, the long-term evolution of planetary systems near or away from mean-motion resonances. Finally, we validate our methods against well-known planetary configurations, such as the Sun-Jupiter-Saturn system, as well as to exoplanetary systems like WASP-148, TIC 279401253 and GJ 876, demonstrating the applicability of our models across a wide range of planetary configurations.