Constrained Dynamics on Eccentric Conic Orbits: Dirac-Bergmann and Hamilton-Jacobi Approaches

TL;DR

This paper develops a unified Hamiltonian and Hamilton-Jacobi framework for particles constrained to conic sections, covering non-relativistic and relativistic regimes, and clarifies the constraint structures and equations of motion.

Contribution

It introduces a comprehensive analysis of constrained particle dynamics on conic orbits using Dirac-Bergmann and Hamilton-Jacobi methods, extending to relativistic cases.

Findings

Identifies second-class constraints for various conic trajectories.

Constructs Dirac brackets to isolate physical degrees of freedom.

Restores integrability via generalized brackets in Hamilton-Jacobi formalism.

Abstract

In this work, we investigate a Lagrangian model describing a particle constrained to move along non-degenerate conic sections, parameterized by the orbital eccentricity \( e \). In the non-relativistic regime, we apply the Dirac--Bergmann algorithm to identify a set of four second-class constraints, compute the corresponding Dirac brackets, and isolate the true physical degrees of freedom. This procedure yields a unified Hamiltonian treatment of circular (\( e = 0 \)), elliptical (\( 0 < e < 1 \)), parabolic (\( e = 1 \)), and hyperbolic (\( e > 1 \)) trajectories. We then extend the analysis to the relativistic case, where we observe a similar constraint structure and construct the associated Dirac brackets accordingly. Finally, using the Hamilton-Jacobi formalism, we identify a set of non-involutive constraints; by introducing generalized brackets, we restore integrability and derive the correct equations of motion. A comparative analysis of both formalisms highlights their complementary features and deepens our understanding of the dynamics governing particles restricted to conic geometries.