Some Special Solutions Of The Rhomboidal Five-body

Problem
Muhammad Shoaib∗ , Ibrahima Faye† and Anoop Sivasankaran∗∗
∗
University of Hail, Department of Mathematical Sciences PO BOX 2440, Saudi Arabia
email:safridi@gmail.com
†
University Technology Petronas, Fundamental and Applied Sciences Department, Tronoh Perak, Malaysia
∗∗
Khalifa University of Science Technology and Research, Department of Applied Mathematics and Sciences,
PO Box:573, Sharjah, UAE

Abstract. In this paper, we study the central configuration of the Rhomboidal five-body problems. Four of the masses are
placed at the vertices of the Rhombus and the fifth body is placed at the centre of mass of the system. A central configuration
for n-body problem is formed if the position vector of each particle with respect to the center of mass is a common scalar
multiple of its acceleration. We identify regions in the phase space where it is possible to chose positive masses which will
make the configuration central. We also show that in the compliment of those regions no central configurations are possible.
Keywords: Central configuration, n-body problem, inverse problem of central configuration
PACS: MSC2010 (37N05)

INTRODUCTION configurations, as one can always change the position of

Much has been done in the past in Celestial Mechanics
to study the three and four body problems, (cf.[3],[5],
[11]). Studies on the central configuration of n body
problems (with n ≥ 4) are limited due to the greater
complexity of higher numbers of bodies, cf. [2], [4], [6],
[8], and [10]). The main focus of the available literature
is on the analytical study of central configurations and
relative equilibria of the five body problem. This opens
the window to improve upon numerical approaches to
study central configuration of five body problem. Hence
in this present study, we propose a method for studying
the central configuration of a non-collinear five body
problem while choosing positive masses.
The easiest relative equilibria are those configura-
tions which involve high symmetry. Roberts discusses
in [9] the relative equilibria for a special case of the
5-body problem which consists of four bodies i.e.,
(m1 , m2 , m3 , m4 ) = (1, 1, 1, 1) at the vertices of a rhom-
bus, with opposite vertices having the same mass, and a
central body; i.e., m5 at −1/4. Roberts shows that there
exist a one parameter family of degenerate relative equi-
libria where the four equal masses are positioned at the
vertices of a rhombus with the remaining body located at
the centre.
In [1] Albouy and Llibre discusses the central config-
urations of the 1+4 body problem. They keep four equal
masses on a sphere whose centre is the ’big’ mass. They
find four symmetric central configurations and prove that
they all have at least one plane of symmetry. They also
conjecture that there are exactly five classes of central
some bodies by applying isometry.
In [7] Tiancheng Ouyang and Zhifu Xie consider a
central configuration of collinear four bodies and iden-
tify the possible conditions to choose positive masses
while maintaining a central configuration. The authors
establish an expression of four masses depending on the
positionx and the center of mass u which gives the cen-
tral configuration in the collinear four body problem. We
will adapt their method to study the central configuration
of the Rhomboidal four and five-body problems.
The rest of the paper is organized as follows. In sec-
tion 2 equations of motion are derived for the rhomboidal
five-body problem. In section 3, we use these equations
to discuss the rhomboidal four-body central configura-
tion. We derive regions in the x1 x2 -plane where no cen-
tral configurations are possible. In section 4 we discuss
the rhomboidal five-body problem and derive it’s central
configuration regions in x1 x2 m0 −space. We also discuss
some special cases of the general problem. Conclusions
are given in section 5.
CENTRAL CONFIGURATION
EQUATIONS
The classical equation of motion for the n-body problem
has the form
d 2 qi ∂U mi m j (q j − qi )
∂ qi ∑
mi = = i = 1, 2, ..., n,
dt 2 j=i |qi − q j |3
(1)

International Conference on Fundamental and Applied Sciences 2012

AIP Conf. Proc. 1482, 496-501 (2012); doi: 10.1063/1.4757521
© 2012 American Institute of Physics 978-0-7354-1094-7/$30.00

496
where the units are chosen so that the gravitational con- Because of the symmetry along both the axis m1 = m3 =
stant is equal to one, qi is a vector in three space, M and m2 = m4 = m. Therefore from the above four
mi m j CC equations we will get the following two linearly
U= ∑ independent equations.
1i< jn |qi − q j |

is the self-potential, qi is the location vector of the ith M m0 2mx1

body and mi is the mass of the ith body. − + − = −x1 λ , (8)
4x1 2 x1 2 (x1 2 + x2 2 )3/2
A central configuration q = (q1 , · · · , qn ) is a particu-
lar configuration of the n-bodies where the acceleration m m0 2Mx2
− + = x2 λ . (9)
vector of each body is proportional to its position vector, 4x2 2 x2 2 (x1 2 + x2 2 )3/2
and the constant of proportionality is the same for the
n-bodies, therefore Let λ = 1. To solve equations (8 and 9) for m and M we
use symbolic calculation in Mathematica.
n
m j (q j − qk )
∑ = −λ qk k = 1, 2, ..., n, (2) Nm (m0 , x1 , x2 )
j=1, j=i |q j − qk |
3
m(m0 , x1 , x2 ) = , (10)
D(x1 , x2 )
Let’s consider five bodies of masses mi i = 0, 1, 2, 3, 4. NM (m0 , x1 , x2 )
Four of the masses are placed at the vertices of a rhombus M(m0 , x1 , x2 ) = .
D(x1 , x2 )
and the fifth mass m0 is stationary at the centre of mass of
the system. We choose the coordinates for the five bodies where
as follows: ⎛  √  ⎞
We choose the coordinates for the five bodies as fol- x23 A2 − 8x13 A +
⎜  ⎟
lows: Nm (m0 , x1 , x2 ) = 4A ⎜
⎝ 1 + 2x1 x√
4
x 2 2
2 
⎟,
⎠
m0
r0 = (0, 0), r1 = (−x1 , 0), r2 = (0, x2 ), (3) +x23 x2 − 8 A
r3 = (x1 , 0), r4 = (0, −x2 ), 3  
3/2 x1 −8x

3 + A3/2
 ,
NM (m0 , x1 , x2 ) = 4A 2
Using (2) and (3) we obtain the following equation for +m0 −8x13 + A3/2
central configurations. D(x1 , x2 ) = x16 + 3x14 x22 − 64x13 x23 + 3x12 x24 + x26 .

m0 r1 r12 r13 A = x1 2 + x2 2
+ m2   + m3 (4)
x1 3 x1 + x2
2 2 3 8x 1
3
Equations (10) are the general solutions of masses m
and M with the mass m0 arbitrary.
r14
+ m4   = −λ r1 , In the next section we will analyze the case when
x1 + x22 3
2 m0 = 0, which is the Rhomboidal four-body problem.

m0 r2 r21 r23
+ m1   + m3   (5) RHOMBOIDAL FOUR-BODY PROBLEM
x2 3 x1 + x2
2 2 3 x1 + x22 3
2

r24 Let’s consider m0 = 0, which reduce the five-body rhom-

+ m4 = −λ r2 , boidal problem to its four-body rhomboidal problem,
8x2 3
which reduces equation (10) to the following simpler
m0 r3 r31 r32 equations.
+ m1 + m2   (6)
x1 3 8x1 3 x + x2 3
2
1 2
Nm (x1 , x2 ) NM (x1 , x2 )
r34 m(x1 , x2 ) = , M(x1 , x2 ) = (11)
+ m4  3 = −λ r3 , D(x1 , x2 ) D(x1 , x2 )
x12 + x22
where

m0 r4 r41 r42  2  (x12 + x 2 )2
+ m1   + m2 (7) Nm4bp (x1 , x2 ) = 4x23 x1 + x2 2 2
,
x2 3 x12 + x22 3 8x 2
3
−8x13 x1 2 + x2 2
 3/2   3/2 
r43 NM4bp (x1 , x2 ) = 4x13 x12 + x22 −8x23 + x12 + x22 ,
+ m3  3 = −λ r4 .
x12 + x22 D(x1 , x2 ) = x16 + 3x14 x22 − 64x13 x23 + 3x12 x24 + x26 .

497
 1.0 1.0

0.8 0.8

0.6 0.6
x2

x2
0.4 0.4

0.2 0.2

0.0 0.0
0.0 0.2 0.4 0.6 0.8 1.0 0.0 0.2 0.4 0.6 0.8 1.0
x1 x1

FIGURE 1. Region RD (colored) FIGURE 3. Region R2 (colored)

1.0

0.8

15
10
0.6 2.0
m 5
0
1.5
x2

5

0.4 0.0 1.0

x2
0.5
1.0 0.5
x1
0.2 1.5
0.0
2.0

0.0 FIGURE 4. Values of m for the rhomboidal four-body prob-

0.0 0.2 0.4 0.6 0.8 1.0
x1 lem in x1 x2 -plane

FIGURE 2. Region R1 (colored)

The denominator D(x1 , x2 ) of m(x1 , x2 ) and
M(x1 , x2 ) has two real zeros at x1 = 0.267 95x2 and
x1 = 3.732 1x2 . It can easily be checked that D(x1 , x2 ) > 0
when 0.267 95x2 > x1 > 3.732x2 . Therefore the region
in the x1 x2 −plane, where D(x1 , x2 ) is positive is given
by
RD = {(x1 , x2 ) |0.267 95x2 > x1 > 3.732, 1x2 and x2 > 0 } .
Numerically region RD is shown in figure (1). The
white part of figure (1) corresponds to the complement
of RD where the denominator D(x1 , x2 ) is negative. For
Nm4bp (x1 , x2 ) to be positive we must have
2
(x1 2 + x2 2 ) − 8x13
x1 2 + x2 2 > 0.
√
. On simplification this gives us x1 < x2 / 3.Therefore
the region in the x1 x2 −plane, where Nm4bp (x1 , x2 ) is
positive is given by
   where the denominator NM4bp (x1 , x2 ) is negative. There-
 √
R1 = (x1 , x2 ) x1 < x2 / 3 and x2 > 0 .
Numerically region R1 is shown in figure (2). The white
part of figure (2) corresponds to the complement of R1
where the denominator Nm4bp (x1 , x2 ) is negative. There-
fore the central configuration region for the rhomboidal
four-body problem where m is positive is given by
R2 = (R1 ∩ RD ) ∪ (Rc1 ∩ RcD ).
Numerically region R2 is shown in figure (3). The values
of m for the rhomboidal four-body problem in x1 x2 -plane
are given in figure (4). The analysis of NM4bp (x1 , x2 ) is
very easy and starightforward. For NM4bp (x1 , x2 ) to be
 3/2
positive x12 + x22 > 8x23 . On simplification this gives
√
us x1 > 3x2 , therefore the region in the x1 x2 −plane,
where NM4bp (x1 , x2 ) is positive is given by
  √ 

R3 = (x1 , x2 ) x1 > 3x2 and x2 > 0 .
Numerically region R3 is shown in figure (5). The white
part of figure (5) corresponds to the complement of R3
fore the central configuration region for the rhomboidal

498
 1.0 2.0

0.8
1.5

0.6
1.0

x2
x2

0.4

0.5

0.2

0.0
0.0 0.5 1.0 1.5 2.0
0.0 x1
0.0 0.2 0.4 0.6 0.8 1.0
x1
FIGURE 8. The central configuration region for the Rhom-
FIGURE 5. Region R3 (colored) boidal four-body problem where both m and M are positive.

1.0
The central configuration region for the Rhomboidal
four-body problem where both m and M are positive is
0.8
R2 ∩ R4 .Numerically this region is shown in figure (8). In
the complement of this region no central configurations
0.6 are possible as at least one of the masses will become
negative in that region.
x2

0.4

RHOMBOIDAL FIVE-BODY PROBLEM

0.2

In this section we discuss the full rhomboidal five-body

0.0 problem. This model can be used to analyze five-body
0.0 0.2 0.4 0.6 0.8 1.0
x1
stellar and planetary systems. In our opinion, models
with a comparatively big central mass will be the most
FIGURE 6. Region R4 (colored) interesting case and is expected to be stable.

four-body problem where M is positive is given by Four equal masses with a varying central
R4 = (R3 ∩ RD ) ∪ (Rc3 ∩ RcD ).
mass

Numerically region R4 is shown in figure (6). The values Let mi = M, i = 1, 2, 3, 4, which will give us the case
of M for the rhomboidal four-body problem in x1 x2 -plane when the four masses on the vertices of the rhombus are
are given in figure (7). equal with a varying central mass m0 . The general solu-
tions of central configuration equations given by equa-
tions (4-7) reduces to
M m0 2Mx1
− + 3/2 = x1 λ ,
4x12 x12 x12 + x22
M m0 2Mx2
15
10
− + 3/2 = x2 λ .
M 5 2.0 4x22 x22 x + x2
2
0 1 2
1.5
5

0.0 1.0
Let λ = 1. To solve equations for m0 and M we use
x2
0.5 symbolic calculation in Mathematica.
1.0 0.5
x1
1.5

2.0
0.0
1 2 3/2
m0 (x1 , x2 ) = x1 + x22 ,
FIGURE 7. Values of M for the rhomboidal four-body prob- 8
lem in x1 x2 -plane 1 2 3/2
M(x1 , x2 ) = x + x22 .
2 1

499
 1.0

x2
0.5
1.0

x2

0.0 0.5
1.0

0.0
1.0

m0
0.5

m0
0.5

0.0
0.0

0.0
0.5
0.0
x1

1.0 0.5
x1

FIGURE 9. Regions where Nm > 0 for the rhomboidal four- 1.0

body problem in the x1 x2 -plane

FIGURE 11. Regions where m > 0 for the rhomboidal four-
1.0
body problem in the x1 x2 -plane
x2
0.5
1.0

x2
0.0
0.5
1.0

0.0
1.0

m0
0.5

m0
0.5

0.0
0.0

0.5 0.0
x1 0.0

1.0
0.5
x1
FIGURE 10. Regions where NM > 0 for the rhomboidal 1.0
four-body problem in the x1 x2 -plane
FIGURE 12. Regions whereM > 0 for the rhomboidal four-
body problem in the x1 x2 -plane
As x1 , x2 > 0, therefore it can easily be seen from the
above equations for m0 (x1 , x2 ) and M(x1 , x2 ) that the 1.0

rhobmboidal five body problem with four equal masses x2

0.5
will form central configurations for all positive values of
x1 and x2 . It is also proved that for the five-body rhom- 0.0

boidal five body problem to form central configurations, 1.0

we must have M(x1 , x2 ) = 4m0 (x1 , x2 ) i.e. the external

mass must be larger than the central mass.
m0
0.5

Four equidistant masses from the central

0.0
mass 0.0

0.5
In this section we assume that the four masses on x1

the vertices of the rhombus have equal distances from 1.0

the centre of mass of the system. Therefore we take

FIGURE 13. Regions where m and M both > 0 for the
x1 = x2 . Because of the increased symmetry m = M. This rhomboidal four-body problem in the x1 x2 -plane
is confirmed by putting x1 = x2 in equation (10) which
gives M(m0 , x2 ) = m(m0 , x2 ) = m = 1.0448(m0 + x23 ).

500
 As x2 > 0, therefore it can easily be seen from the
above equation for m(m0 , x2 ) that the rhomboidal five
body problem with four equidistant masses will form
central configurations for all positive values of x2 . It is
also proved that for the rhomboidal five body problem to
form central configurations, we must have m0 < m i.e.
the external mass must be larger than the central mass.
The General Rhomboidal five-body
problem
In this section we discuss the most general form of the
rhomboidal five-body problem. A pair of equal masses
are placed at (±x1 , 0) and another pair of masses of
are placed at (±x2 , 0). The central configurations equa-
tions are derived in section 1 and are given by equa-
tions (8) and (9). Using symbolic calculations in Mathe-
matica These equations are solved for m(m0 , x1 , x2 ) and
M(m0 , x1 , x2 ). These values are given by equation (10).
To analytically find regions of central configurations is
very complicated which will be part of a future paper.
Here we will briefly describe the regions numerically.
We have already shown in section 3, that the de-
nominator of m(m0 , x1 , x2 ) and M(m0 , x1 , x2 ) is pos-
itive in region RD . This is shown both analytically
and numerically. We are then only left to find re-
gions where Nm (m0 , x1 , x2 ) and NM (m0 , x1 , x2 ) is positive
and then show their intersections and the intersections
of their complements. The regions, R5 and R6 where
Nm (m0 , x1 , x2 ) > 0 and NM (m0 , x1 , x2 ) > 0 is given fig-
ures (9) and (10)) respectively. Similarly regions, R7 and
R8 are given in figures (11) and (12)) where m, M > 0
respectively . Region R9 = (R7 ∩ R8 )U(Rc7 ∩ Rc8 ) is the
central configuration region where both m(m0 , x1 , x2 ) and
M(m0 , x1 , x2 ) are positive. In the compliment of R9 , no
central configurations are possible. Region R9 is shown
in figure (13). A detailed analysis of the general solution
and key features of these regions will be conducted in our
future research.
CONCLUSIONS
We model non-collinear rhomboidal four and five-body
problem where four of the masses are placed at the
vertices of an isosceles rhombus with the fifth mass
stationary at the centre of mass of the system.
We form expressions for m and M as functions of x1 ,
x2 and m0 which gives central configurations in the rhom-
boidal four and five-body problems. In the m0 = 0 case
of this five-body problem, i.e. the rhomboidal four-body
problem regions in the x1 x2 -plane are identified where
no central configurations are possible if we take all the
501
four masses to be positive. Similarly in the m0 = 0 case
several cases of the rhomboidal five-body problem are
discussed. Its regions of central configurations are de-
rived both analytically and numerically. The most gen-
eral case could not be presented here for the lack of space
and complexity and will be discussed in an upcoming pa-
per.
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
The author, Dr. Muhammad Shoaib, thank the Deanship
of Scientific research at the University of Hail, Saudi
Arabia for funding this project (reference number SM3
) for the year of 1433 Hijri (2012-2013).
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