How to use Euler's angle theorem in rotation of a coordinate

Click For Summary

Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the application of Euler's angle theorem in the context of rotating a point in a three-dimensional coordinate system. Participants explore the mathematical representation of rotations, including the use of rotation matrices and Rodrigues' rotation formula, while addressing specific examples and potential errors in matrix formulation.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation
  • Mathematical reasoning
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant describes a scenario involving two sequential rotations of a point at (0,0,5) around the y-axis and the new x-axis, seeking to find the new coordinates using Euler's rotation theorem.
  • Another participant suggests that Rodrigues' rotation formula might be more appropriate than Euler's theorem for the described transformations.
  • A participant presents a rotation matrix for a 30-degree clockwise rotation about the y-axis and questions the correctness of two proposed matrices.
  • Another participant agrees with one of the matrices but emphasizes the importance of understanding the direction of rotation and the properties of orthogonal matrices, including the relationship between clockwise and counter-clockwise rotations.
  • A participant provides a detailed explanation of constructing rotation matrices and mentions the potential for confusion regarding the angles used in these matrices.
  • Another participant describes a similar rotation scenario, providing matrices for both clockwise and counter-clockwise rotations and outlines the process for obtaining the final position of the point through matrix multiplication.
  • A participant inquires about a specific notation (A=BCD) found on a referenced webpage and seeks clarification on how matrix elements are derived.
  • One participant expresses gratitude for the insights gained from the discussion.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the appropriate rotation matrices and the application of Euler's theorem versus Rodrigues' formula. There is no consensus on the correctness of the matrices presented, and the discussion remains unresolved regarding the best approach to the problem.

Contextual Notes

Participants highlight potential confusion regarding the direction of rotations and the formulation of rotation matrices, indicating that assumptions about angles and their complements may affect the results. The discussion also reflects varying interpretations of the mathematical principles involved.

hei
Messages
9
Reaction score
0
If i have a point at (0,0,5) in x,y,z system, then i make 2 rotation on the point with center at origin.
i)the first rotation is on y-axis with angle P in clockwise direction.
ii) the second rotation is on the point's new x-axis rotate in angle Q in clockwise direction.

How can i find the new coordinates after these 2 rotation with Euler's rotation theorem?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
That theorem only tells you the net transformation is a rotation. Rodrigues' rotation formula might be more use.
 
using the point (0,0,5) , i make a rotation of 30 degree in clockwise direction about y axis,

so i should get the rotation matrix of

| cos 30 0 -sin 30 | |x| | cos 30 0 sin 30 | |x|
| 0 1 0 | |y| or | 0 1 0 | |y|
| sin 30 0 cos 30| |z| | -sin 30 0 cos 30| |z|
which one is the right one or i got both wrong?
 
Last edited:
Second one is correct (I think, they don't line up very well).

One rotation matrix for positive (direction of a right hand screw, or counter-clockwise as viewed from the outside) rotations:

Code:
1        0        0
0     cos x     sin x
0    -sin x     cos x

With columns x, y, z and rows x, y, z, shift the matrix so the 1 lies at the intersection of whichever axis you're rotating around.

For negative (or clockwise), reverse the sign of the sines.

Since you're dealing with orthogonal matrices, the safer way is that clockwise is the inverse of counter-clockwise and the inverse of an orthogonal right hand matrix (which your rotation matrices are) is the transpose. In other words, take the transpose of the counter-clockwise matrix to get the clockwise rotation matrix.

The latter helps you when you start combining rotations into a single matrix and you don't want to have to reaccomplish the work for the opposite direction.

Additionally, sometimes the known angle won't be the rotation angle, but the complement of the rotation angle. Instead of building an ugly rotation matrix consisting of cos (90 - x), sine will substituted for cosine and cosine for sine to make a cleaner matrix consisting of just x.
 
lets say if i have a Z-axis which perpendicularly point into the screen, X-axis which point to its right side and Y-axis which point upward and a point with coordinate ( 0 , 0 , 5 ).

then i rotate the point's y-axis 30 degree in clockwise direction.
so the rotation operation matrix should be
Code:
|cos 30      0    sin 30   |
|    0         1      0    |
|-sin 30      0    cos 30  |

Sorry about the disoriented matrix in previous post...

then on the point's new x-axis, i rotate the point 60 degree counter clockwise, so the point will move upward. And the matrix is:
Code:
|    1        0        0       |
|    0       cos 60   sin 60   |
|    0      -sin 60   cos 60   |

so to get the point final position, i just multiply all the stuff together like:

Code:
|cos 30      0    sin 30   | |    1        0        0       | | 0 |     |1.25   |
|    0        1     0      | |    0       cos 60   sin 60   | | 0 | =   |4.3301 |
|-sin 30      0    cos 30  | |    0      -sin 60   cos 60   | | 5 |     |2.165  |

Is that the right way?
 
Last edited:
I get it now, thanks everyone for teaching me.
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
2K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
1K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
1K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
1K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
Replies
7
Views
3K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
4K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
1K
Replies
2
Views
2K