Abstract
The dynamical evolution of 15 000 equal-mass triple systems with zero initial velocities (the free-fall three-body problem) is considered. The equations of motion are numerically integrated using regularization of binary and triple encounters. We find 170 triple systems which reach a state where the motions take place within a limited region of phase space during a long time. These regions are concentrated in the zones of regular motions in the vicinities of stable periodic orbits: the von Schubart orbit in the rectilinear problem, the Broucke orbit in the isosceles problem, and the ‘Eight’ orbit. The classification of such metastable orbits is suggested. A change of the types is found during the dynamical evolution of some metastable systems. The triple system leaves the metastable regime after some time, and its evolution is finished by the escape of one body.
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