Euler's equations for constant torque?

1 reply · 6K views · last reply
Luftwaff1e
Messages
1
Reaction score
0

Homework Statement



An axially symmetric space station (principal axis e3, and λ1 = λ2) is floating in free space. It has rockets mounted symmetrically on either side that are firing and exert a constant torque τ about the symmetry axis. Solve Euler's equations exactly for ω (relative to the body axis) and describe the motion. At t = 0 take ω = (ω1,0,ω3).

As well I am told to introduce the constants
(λ3-λ1)ω3/λ1

α = (λ3-λ1)τ/(λ1λ3)


Homework Equations



Three coupled equations from Euler's equations for rigid-body rotation, each of the form λ_i ω_i-dot minus (λ_j minus λ_k) ω_j ω_k equals Γ_i, for i = 1, 2, 3, with a brace grouping the right-hand sides Γ1, Γ2, Γ3.

n=ω1+iω2

The Attempt at a Solution


I tried several different things trying to solve the problem but unfortunately I could never quite figure out which parts of Euler's equation are zero. I think that the third τ in Eulers equation is zero which would make ω3 constant but then I'm not really sure where to go.
 
x3 is the symmetry axis. The problems states that the torque τ is about this axis. That means that [itex]\Gamma[/itex]3 = τ