I Manuscript on elementary rigid-body dynamics

AI Thread Summary
An elementary introduction to rigid-body dynamics has been shared, focusing on force-free motion and the heavy symmetric top. The discussion highlights the importance of considering cases where p_ψ equals ±p_φ in relation to the heavy symmetric top. Additionally, it emphasizes the correct definition of Euler angles, particularly when θ is not congruent to 0 modulo π. The non-uniqueness of Euler angles for specific values of θ has also been addressed. This resource aims to clarify common questions in the field of rigid-body dynamics.
vanhees71
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In view of questions occurring from time to time in this forum, I've written an elementary introduction to rigid-body dynamics (mostly about the force-free and the heavy symmetric top). I hope, it's of some use:

https://itp.uni-frankfurt.de/~hees/pf-faq/spinning-top.pdf
 
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Nice text. As for section "The heavy symmetric top" what about to consider the cases ##p_\psi=\pm p_\varphi##.
Perhaps it would also be good to stress that the Euler angles are correctly defined when ##\theta\ne 0\pmod{\pi}##
 
That's an interesting case, I guess. I'll have a look at it. I've put a sentence concerning the non-uniqueness of the Euler angles for ##\vartheta \in \{0,\pi\}##.
 
This has been discussed many times on PF, and will likely come up again, so the video might come handy. Previous threads: https://www.physicsforums.com/threads/is-a-treadmill-incline-just-a-marketing-gimmick.937725/ https://www.physicsforums.com/threads/work-done-running-on-an-inclined-treadmill.927825/ https://www.physicsforums.com/threads/how-do-we-calculate-the-energy-we-used-to-do-something.1052162/
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