2024/11/27 by Raju S. Khatiwada, C. Ortiz, Khatiwada, Raju S. +2
Computer Science · Earth and Planetary Sciences · Engineering · #Computational Physics and Python Applications #Earth and Planetary Astrophysics (astro-ph.EP) #FOS: Physical sciences #General Relativity and Quantum Cosmology (gr-qc) #Geophysics and Gravity Measurements #Inertial Sensor and Navigation #Solar and Stellar Astrophysics (astro-ph.SR)
paper · pdf · doi:10.48550/arxiv.2411.18742
openalex publication_date 2024/11/27 · openalex created_date 2024/12/05 · openalex updated_date 2026/07/28
This paper investigates the influence of nonlinear dissipative forces, specifically Gravitational Friction (GF), on the precession of celestial bodies within the framework of general relativity. We derive a modified line element by introducing a density-dependent term to model interactions between planetary bodies and the low-density interplanetary medium, providing a covariant description of dissipative forces in planetary motion. The resulting metric modification leads to corrections in the perihelion precession of Mercury, also reproducing the classical relativistic predictions. Utilizing the method of multiple scales, we analyze perturbative effects induced by GF. Using this model, we successfully constrain the medium density near Mercury to approximately ρ0 ≈ 1.12 × 10-10 kg/m3. These findings offer a new approach for incorporating dissipative mechanisms into general relativity, with potential applications in other astrophysical systems.