Symmetric central configurations in the concave 4-body problem with two pairs of equal masses

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Authors: Yangshanshan Liu, Zhifu Xie
Cited by: 1
References: 37

Abstract

We establish the existence of a single-parameter family of the concave kite central configurations in the 4-body problem with two pairs of equal masses. In such configurations, one pair of masses must lie on the base of an isosceles triangle, and the other pair on its symmetric axis with one mass positioned inside the triangle formed by the other three. Using a rigorous computer-assisted analytical approach, we prove that for any non-negative mass ratio, the number of such configurations is either zero, one, or two, thereby providing a complete classification of this family. Furthermore, we show that the unique configuration corresponding to a specific mass ratio is a fold-type bifurcation point within the reduced subspace. We also give a clear and complete bifurcation picture for both symmetric and asymmetric cases of this concave type across the entire planar 4-body configuration space.

Fields of Study & Subjects

Spacecraft Dynamics and Control Astro and Planetary Science Space Satellite Systems and Control

Publication details

Journal / source
Discrete and Continuous Dynamical Systems
Publisher
American Institute of Mathematical Sciences (AIMS)
Volume
55
Issue
0
Pages
243–262
Publication date
1 January 2026