PHYSICS · Multi-part · Fermi University Physics · Mechanics & Dynamical Systems · Rotation, rigid bodies and accelerated frames · Rotation, rigid bodies and accelerated frames
Action and Symmetry, Ch The inertia tensor, principal axes and Euler angles
Problem
A symmetric top has principal moments I1=I2=8.0×10−5kgm2 and I3=1.6×10−4kgm2, and turns with Euler rates (3-1-3 convention) ϕ˙=5.0rads−1, θ=50∘, θ˙=0.80rads−1, ψ˙=200rads−1. Someone argues: "the body components of ω are just the three Euler-angle rates, so ω1=ϕ˙, ω2=θ˙, ω3=ψ˙," and computes Trot=21I1ϕ˙2+21I1θ˙2+21I3ψ˙2.
((a)) Find this person's numerical value for Trot.
((b)) Find the correct value of Trot using the body components of ω from the Euler-angle rates.
((c)) State by what percentage the two values differ, and identify in one sentence where the argument breaks down.