Radiation Friction: Solving Abraham-Lorentz Eq for Non-Physical Solutions

In summary, the conversation discusses the Abraham-Lorentz equation, which describes radiative friction for a particle moving in an electromagnetic field. The speaker mentions solving the equation numerically and getting non-physical solutions, which they believe should result in the particle's movement decaying due to the radiation force. The speaker then questions what they may be doing wrong and is advised to look at the derivation, which may only apply to periodic motion and not non-periodic functions. There may be known solutions for non-periodic functions that result in runaway or non-causal solutions.
  • #1
gennryAlbius
1
0
There is a well-known Abraham-Lorentz equation describing radiative friction. Suppose a particle moves in an electromagnetic field.
ma(t)=q(E+vxB) + m(tau)a’(t)

By solving this equation numerically, I get non-physical solutions(runaway solutions) Although, it would seem that an electron in an electromagnetic field should move in a spiral, and due to the presence of a radiation force, its movement should decay (I should get such a result). What am I doing wrong?
 
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  • #2
I am not completely certain, but I believe that if you look at the derivation you will see that it is specifically for periodic motion. I believe that for certain non-periodic functions the runaway and non-causal solutions are known
 

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