Equilibrium points in the restricted synchronous three-body problem using a mass dipole model

The objective of the present paper is to investigate the zero velocity curves , using the Jacobi constant C , and to determine the positions of the libration points in the restricted synchronous three-body problem. To perform this task, it is necessary to obtain the equations of motion of a negligible mass traveling in a system composed of two other massive bodies. One of them is assumed to have a spherical shape, while the other one is irregular shaped and modeled as a rotating mass dipole. The locations of the equilibrium points are determined and then, for several values C of the Jacobi constant , the boundary regions are obtained where the motion of the particle is allowed. The zero velocity curves are plotted. Next, the stability of these equilibrium points examined, including the collinear and non-collinear ones. It is found that the collinear points are unstable and the non-collinear ones are linearly stable for lower values of the mass parameter. A comparison with the equivalent results for the dynamics considering three points of mass is made, to emphasize the influence of the elongation of one of the bodies.