Relative Equilibria in the Spherical, Finite Density 3-Body Problem

Abstract

The relative equilibria for the spherical, finite density 3 body problem are identified. Specifically, there are 28 distinct relative equilibria in this problem which include the classical 5 relative equilibria for the point-mass 3-body problem. None of the identified relative equilibria exist or are stable over all values of angular momentum. The stability and bifurcation pathways of these relative equilibria are mapped out as the angular momentum of the system is increased. This is done under the assumption that they have equal and constant densities and that the entire system rotates about its maximum moment of inertia. The transition to finite density greatly increases the number of relative equilibria in the 3-body problem and ensures that minimum energy configurations exist for all values of angular momentum.