Coordinate System Rotation Matrix (global to local)

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around the transformation between two coordinate systems represented by matrices G and L, focusing on the concept of rotation matrices in linear algebra. The original poster expresses uncertainty regarding their understanding of matrix math and seeks assistance in applying a rotation matrix to convert a point from the global to the local coordinate system.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Conceptual clarification

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the properties of the matrices G and L, questioning whether L represents a valid rotation of G. The original poster attempts to relate the two matrices through a rotation matrix and expresses confusion about their calculations in MATLAB.

Discussion Status

Some participants have pointed out discrepancies in the properties of the matrices, such as the determinant and orthogonality, suggesting that L may not be a proper rotation matrix. The original poster acknowledges a mistake in their initial input and seeks clarification on the relationship between the matrices and the validity of their approach.

Contextual Notes

There is an assumption that both coordinate systems share the same origin, and the discussion includes considerations of linear transformations versus orthogonal transformations.

dhume878
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I feel I may have improperly posted this thread https://www.physicsforums.com/showthread.php?t=469331" but am just not as knowledgeable in my matrix math as I need to be. One (me) would think that somehow you should be able to get a rotation matrix from these two systems.

Homework Statement


So I have two matrices composed of 3 orthogonal vectors

G = [1 0 0;
0 1 0;
0 0 1]
and
L = [0.96247 -0.03259 -0.266524;
0.02676 0.99932 -0.025578;
0.26718 0.018486 -0.962682]

I have a point in the global system, which i would like to rotate in the same manner one matrix is rotated from the other. (I think .. R(alpha) * R(beta) * R(gama))

It can be assumed the two systems have the same origin.

Homework Equations


Possibly relevant

x'_vector = R_matrix * x_vector

The Attempt at a Solution



Here is my MATLAB attempt. I feel I'm way off (no laughing!)

Code:
x = [1 0 0];
x_p = [0.96247 -0.0325928 -0.266524];

A = x_p \ x

y = [0 1 0];
y_p = [0.0267575 0.999315 -0.0255778];

B = y_p \ y

z = [0 0 1];
z_p = [0.267175 0.0174863 0.962682];

C = z_p \ z

Again I hope I'm not being too hasty with this repost, but i didn't want to be scorned for my incorrect post location.

Thanks for any help,

Cheers!
 
Last edited by a moderator:
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The matrix L is not a rotation of the matrix G. |det(L)| = 0.85, while |det(G)| = 1. Furthermore the vectors composing L are not orthogonal, e.g., {0.96247, -0.03259, -0.266524}.{ 0.26718, 0.018486, -0.962682} = 0.51. There is a linear transformation between the bases, but it is not an orthogonal transformation (rotation).
 
:rolleyes:

Actually it was my mistake I typed in the numbers incorrectly.

[PLAIN]http://j.drhu.me/2011-02-03_1426.png

dot = 0 as well.

Annnnddd, I believe the matrix I was referring to as L .. is just my rotation matrix and I should be able to multiply it by a point, and get that point in the local system.

Does this make sense at all?
 
Last edited by a moderator:
dhume878 said:
:rolleyes:

Actually it was my mistake I typed in the numbers incorrectly.


dot = 0 as well.

Annnnddd, I believe the matrix I was referring to as L .. is just my rotation matrix and I should be able to multiply it by a point, and get that point in the local system.

Does this make sense at all?

I think it makes sense. If two coordinate systems are linearly related and have the same origin, then they will be related by a rotation matrix. So if you indeed computed R(alpha) * R(beta) * R(gamma) correctly, you should be ok. The determinant and orthogonality of rows are good sanity checks.
 

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