Prove Total Kinetic Energy of a Rotating System about 3 Axes

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around proving the total kinetic energy of a rotating system about three perpendicular axes. It includes theoretical approaches and mathematical reasoning related to the kinetic energy expressions in rotational dynamics.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation
  • Mathematical reasoning
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant proposes that the total kinetic energy can be expressed as T=\frac{I_{x}\omega_{x}^{2}}{2} + \frac{I_{y}\omega_{y}^{2}}{2}+\frac{I_{z}\omega_{z}^{2}}{2} for a system rotating about three different axes.
  • Another participant suggests considering the body as a set of particles and expresses total kinetic energy in an integral form, indicating that translational velocity can be related to rotational velocities.
  • A different viewpoint introduces the expression T=\frac{1}{2}\sum_{i,j}I_{ij}\omega_i\omega_j and mentions the possibility of diagonalizing the inertia tensor to simplify the expression.
  • One participant elaborates on the relationship between linear and angular velocities using vector cross products and provides a definition for the inertia tensor.
  • Another participant reiterates the initial kinetic energy expression and questions how to express the square of the angular velocity vector in terms of its components.
  • A later reply challenges the use of a specific kinetic energy formula, stating it only applies under the condition that I_x=I_y=I_z=I.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the approach to proving the total kinetic energy, with no consensus reached on the validity of specific methods or expressions presented.

Contextual Notes

Some assumptions regarding the conditions under which certain expressions hold are not fully explored, and the discussion includes various mathematical steps that remain unresolved.

pardesi
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how does one prove this
if a system is rotating about three different perpendicular axes then
total kinetic energy of the system is
[tex]T=\frac{I_{x}\omega_{x}^{2}}{2} + \frac{I_{y}\omega_{y}^{2}}{2}+\frac{I_{z}\omega_{z}^{2}}{2}[/tex]
 
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Consider the body as a set of particles.

[tex]T = \frac{1}{2}\iiint \rho (\dot x^2 + \dot y^2 + \dot z^2) dx\,dy\,dz[/tex]

Then write the translational velocity at (x,y,z) in terms of the rotation velocities and the position (the 3-D version of [tex]v = r\omega[/tex]).

Rearrange the result and the integrals that define [tex]I_x[/tex] etc will appear.
 
well, in general you'll find:
[tex] T=\frac{1}{2}\sum_{i,j}I_{ij}\omega_i\omega_j[/tex]
then you can change coordinates to diagonalize the I tensor... or, if you made a good choice to begin with the tensor will already be diagonal giving you the expression you want.
 
AlephZero said:
...(the 3-D version of [tex]v = r\omega[/tex]).
I.e.
[tex] \vec v = \vec \omega \times \vec r[/tex]
or
[tex] v_i = \epsilon_{ijk}\omega_j r_k[/tex]

And use the definition
[tex] I_{ij}=\int\rho\left(<br /> r^2\delta_{ij}-r_ir_j<br /> \right)[/tex]
 
pardesi said:
how does one prove this
if a system is rotating about three different perpendicular axes then
total kinetic energy of the system is
[tex]T=\frac{I_{x}\omega_{x}^{2}}{2} + \frac{I_{y}\omega_{y}^{2}}{2}+\frac{I_{z}\omega_{z}^{2}}{2}[/tex]
I think you can start with the given that:

[tex]KE = \frac{1}{2}I|\vec\omega|^2[/tex]

What is the square of the length of the vector [itex]\omega[/itex] in terms of the x, y and z components?

AM
 
Andrew Mason said:
I think you can start with the given that:

[tex]KE = \frac{1}{2}I|\vec\omega|^2[/tex]

What is the square of the length of the vector [itex]\omega[/itex] in terms of the x, y and z components?

AM

no. he can't start with that. Only in the special case of
[tex] I_x=I_y=I_z=I[/tex]
 

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