[Orbital mechanics] Asteroid angular momentum

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on calculating the inertial tensor of an asteroid with constant angular momentum, given its angular velocities w1 = 2 rad/s and w2 = 3 rad/s at two distinct times, t1 and t2. The asteroid experiences no torque, and its angular momentum H0 = 10^10 kg.m^2/s remains constant. Participants concluded that the principal axes are aligned with the stability and equilibrium conditions of the asteroid, allowing for a straightforward solution to the problem.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of angular momentum and its conservation principles
  • Familiarity with inertial tensors and their calculation
  • Knowledge of rotational dynamics and torque-free motion
  • Basic grasp of precession and nutation in rigid body dynamics
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the calculation of inertial tensors for asymmetric bodies
  • Learn about the effects of drag on rotational motion in celestial mechanics
  • Explore the principles of precession and nutation in detail
  • Investigate the relationship between angular momentum and angular velocity in rigid bodies
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Astrophysicists, aerospace engineers, and students studying orbital mechanics or rotational dynamics will benefit from this discussion.

Jose Confraria
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Homework Statement

: [/B]
A vector is perpendicular to B vector, and they stay still, relative to the body. No torque is applied on the asteroid, although he dissipates very little rotational kinetic energy, due to drag on dust clouds. It was also determined that the asteroid is a long body axisymmetric from inercia's point of view. In a certain instant, let's call it t1, the body was rotating in A axis with angular velocity w1 = 2 rad/s. In another instant, t2 ( 1 and 2 are not related to which time is first) we see that apparently the asteroid is rotating on B axis with angular velocity w2=3 rad/s. Knowing that the angular momentum of the asteroid relative to the center of mass is constant H0=10^10 kg.m^2/s and was kept constant between both instants and that the time between them is very large, calculate the inertial tensor on the principal axis. And which time came first, t2 or t1?
IH84A1P.png


Homework Equations


H_{i}=I_{ij}w_j
2CjqNl2.png

The Attempt at a Solution


I have already tryed anything i can remember. Been on more than 3 hours thinking about this exercise.
Although, i think i don't even know where to start. d/dt H is 0 as there is no torque applied on the asteroid. But after that what do i know? A and B are not on the pricipal axis.
I am just completely stuck in this exercise like something is missing.

Precession is constant => psi=H/A. on principal axis
Nutation angle is constant
 
Last edited:
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Hmmmm given the way that the problem is written, they are the principal axis (see the indication that one instant is very far apart from the other giving some clue about stability and equilibrium). Try doing it now!
 
I also agree with you. There is no other way this can have a solution, but if that's the case it is very simple. Oh well i guess this is answered.
 

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