Canonical definition of Angular Momentum,

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the canonical definition of angular momentum for a solid body rotating around a fixed axis. Participants explore the mathematical derivation of angular momentum, the role of the center of mass, and the implications of trigonometric functions in the context of rotation.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation
  • Mathematical reasoning
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant presents a derivation of angular momentum, defining it as $$\vec L = \int_{\Omega} \vec r \times (dm \; \vec v)$$ and explores the integration over the solid body.
  • The same participant expresses difficulty in simplifying a specific integral related to the radial component of angular momentum when the center of mass is on the axis of rotation.
  • Another participant questions whether the body is indeed rotating, suggesting that this could affect the values of sin and cos in the equations, although they express uncertainty about this point.
  • A third participant references a derivation from a specific textbook, indicating a gap in understanding between two equations presented in that source.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on the simplification of the integral or the implications of the body’s rotation on the trigonometric functions. Multiple competing views and uncertainties remain regarding the derivation and its assumptions.

Contextual Notes

There are unresolved mathematical steps related to the integration and the assumptions about the center of mass and the conditions of rotation. The discussion reflects varying interpretations of the trigonometric functions in the context of the problem.

guv
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Let's start with an arbitrary solid body rotating around a fixed axis of rotation with angular velocity ##\vec \omega## in the ## \hat z## direction. For simplicity, let's say the origin O is on the axis of rotation. Take a look at the picture I sketched in the next post. Tried my best to be clear about the notations I used in my derivation.

By definition, $$\vec L = \int_{\Omega} \vec r \times (dm \; \vec v) = \int_{\Omega} \vec r \times (\vec \omega \times \vec r) dm$$

Where ##\vec r## is is position position vector of dm from origin O and ##\Omega## is the domain of integration (the entire solid body).

If the angle between axis of rotation and position vector is ##\theta## (imagine ##\hat z## points upward from O, ##\vec r## points to the upper right from O), then
$$\vec L = \int r^2 \omega sin(\theta) dm \hat L$$

where ##\hat L## is a unit vector from dm perpendicular from ##\vec r## (imagine this unit vector from dm going upper left from dm)

We can decompose this ##\hat L## into its z direction component and a radial component.
$$\vec L = \int r^2 \omega sin^2\theta \hat z dm + \int r^2 \omega sin\theta cos\theta (-\hat p) dm$$

Here is ##\hat p## is a unit vector pointing outward from dm perpendicular to axis of rotation.

If ##\omega## is a constant, then
$$\int r^2 \omega sin^2\theta \hat z dm = \omega \int r^2 sin^2\theta dm \hat z = I_{zz} \omega \hat z$$

This is the z component of the angular moment since the ##\vec \omega = (0, 0, \omega)##.

My problem is I couldn't really simply ##\int r^2 \omega sin\theta cos\theta (-\hat p) dm## into 0 when center of mass is on the axis of rotation. Can someone help? Thanks,

guv
 
Last edited:
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sketch55ce836b7da65.png
 
The Center of Mass ##\vec R_{cm}## is defined by ##\int_{\Omega} (\vec r - \vec R_{cm}) \; dm \equiv 0##.

My question is inspired by the derivation in Louis Brand's "Vector Analysis" book, p.176-177 when the author jumps from eq. (2) to eq. (3). I couldn't complete this derivation.
 
Is the body rotating?? In that case doesn't sin[tex]\theta[/tex] and cos[tex]\theta[/tex] becomes sin pi/2 and cos pi/2? so one of the trigonometric ratio becomes 0. Not sure though, got to think. Better wait for someone else's reply.
 

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