Geometric parametrization of binary elastic collisions
arXiv:physics/0602138 · doi:10.1119/1.2188961
Abstract
A geometric view of the possible outcomes of elastic collisions of two massive bodies is developed that integrates laboratory, center of mass, and relative body frames in a single diagram. From these diagrams all the scattering properties of binary collisions can be obtained. The particular case of gravitational scattering by a moving massive object corresponds to the slingshot maneuver, and its maximum velocity is obtained.
7 pages, 5 figures