New solutions for the symmetrical n-body problem through variational approach and optimisation techniques

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Ciccarelli, Roberto and Introna, Margaux and Terracini, Susanna and Vasile, Massimiliano (2026) New solutions for the symmetrical n-body problem through variational approach and optimisation techniques. Journal of Aerospace Science, Technologies & Systems, 105 (2). pp. 153-170. ISSN 0365-7442 (https://doi.org/10.1007/s42496-025-00265-5)

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Abstract

Advances in the variational approach to the n-body problem have led to significant progress in celestial mechanics, uncovering new types of possible orbits. In this paper, critical points of the Lagrangian action associated with the n-body problem are analysed using evolutionary algorithms to identify periodic and symmetrical solutions of the discretised system. A key objective is to locate minimum points of the action functional, as these correspond to feasible periodic solutions that satisfy the system’s differential equations. By employing both stochastic and deterministic algorithms, we explore the solution space and obtain numerical representations of these orbits. Next, we examine the stability of these orbits by treating them as critical points. One approach is to compute their discrete Morse index to distinguish between minimum points and saddle points. Another is to classify them based on their action levels. Finally, analysing the boundaries of their attraction basins allows us to identify non-minimal critical points via the Ambrosetti–Rabinowitz Mountain Pass Theorem. This leads to an updated version of the algorithm that provides a constructive proof of the theorem, yielding new orbits in specific cases. This paper builds upon and extends the results presented in Introna et al. (75th International Astronautical Conference, Milan, Italy), providing a more detailed theoretical framework and deeper insights into the formulation. Additionally, we present new numerical results and an extended analysis of the critical points found, further enhancing the findings of the previous study.

ORCID iDs

Ciccarelli, Roberto, Introna, Margaux, Terracini, Susanna and Vasile, Massimiliano ORCID logoORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8302-6465;
CORE (COnnecting REpositories)