Displaced Axes Theorem- quick question.

  • Thread starter Thread starter binbagsss
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Axes Theorem
AI Thread Summary
The discussion centers on the displaced axis theorem and its application in calculating the moment of inertia tensor. The user questions the validity of obtaining zero matrix elements for the tensor A when the center of mass has only an x-component. Clarification reveals that while A_{xx} and non-diagonal elements are indeed zero, A_{yy} and A_{zz} yield |Rc^2|, confirming that not all elements are zero. The conversation highlights the importance of understanding tensor properties in this context. Overall, the interaction emphasizes the nuances of applying the displaced axis theorem in rigid body dynamics.
binbagsss
Messages
1,291
Reaction score
12
I am using the displaced axis theorem:

\hat{I}=\hat{I}com+M\hat{A}

where \hat{A}can be represented as a matrix, the elements of which are determined by:

A_{\alpha\beta}=|Rc^{2}|δ_{\alpha\beta} - Rc_{\alpha}Rc_{\beta}


I know that it is derived from substituting in rk=rk'+Rc into the definition of the moment of inertia tensor, where rk is the position vector of the of the kth particle of a rigid body from the point at which we are calculating I, Rc is the position vector of the centre of mass of the rigid body.

My question is, that if Rc only has a , x component , say, s.t Rc_{y} and Rc_{z}=0, then , looking at A, I attain 0 for all my matrix elements.

Picturing this, surely this can not be correct? - That \hat{I}=\hat{I}com when computing the moment of inertia about an axis displaced solely in x,y,z from an axis located at the bodies com.

Quick question on a similar note, looking at the expression of A, I am struggling to see how the last term yields a scalar, like the |Rc^{2}|δ_{\alpha\beta}. I know that \alpha and \beta =x,y,z. But aren't Rc,\alpha and Rc,\beta, rank one tensors, so that they are vectors.

Many thanks to anyone who can shed some light on this, greatly appreciated !
 
Physics news on Phys.org
anyone?
 
binbagsss said:
if Rc only has a , x component , say, s.t Rc_{y} and Rc_{z}=0, then , looking at A, I attain 0 for all my matrix elements.
that's not true. not all the elements will be zero. it is true that A_{xx} is zero, and any non-diagonal elements are zero.
 
Ohhhh ! I think I see, so considering Ayy and Azz, Ayy=Azz=|Rc^2| ?
 
yep, that's it!
 
thanks alot.
 
ah, no problem! it's interesting stuff.
 
Back
Top