Simulating earth rotation and (excess) Lenght of Day calculation

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SUMMARY

This discussion focuses on simulating Earth's rotation using Euler's equations of motion, specifically without external torques. The user seeks to calculate the Length of Day (LOD) using the angular velocity vector ω, derived from the equations provided. The nominal Earth rotation rate (ΩN) is calculated as 2π/(24*60*60) seconds. The user initially struggles with the vector nature of ω and its application in the LOD formula, ultimately identifying a calculation error after reviewing their equations.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Euler's equations of motion
  • Familiarity with angular velocity vectors
  • Knowledge of the Length of Day (LOD) calculation
  • Basic trigonometry and calculus concepts
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  • Research the application of Euler's equations in rotational dynamics
  • Learn about the implications of external torques on LOD calculations
  • Explore numerical methods for simulating rotational motion
  • Investigate the effects of varying ω on Earth's rotational dynamics
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MountFX
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Hello everybody :smile:,

I'm new here and hope you can help me with this problem. I have to simulate the Earth rotation with eulers equations of motion (without external torques at first).

I have given:

Solution of eulers equation without external torques:

[itex]\omega = (x, y, z)' \left[\frac{rad}{s}\right][/itex] (angle velocity vector of earth)

with:

[itex]x = r_{earth} \cdot cos( C \cdot (t-t_0) )[/itex]
[itex]y = r_{earth} \cdot sin( C \cdot (t-t_0) )[/itex]
[itex]z = D~[/itex]

Meaning:
  • C is a constant dependent on z (is also constant)
  • D is constant in case of no external torques
  • ω is a time dependent vector. I have many ω (e.g. every minute for a whole year). So every minute I have a new ω.
  • ΩN is the nominal Earth rotation rate (which I am not sure how to calculate, I have taken 2*PI/(24*60*60)).
  • T is the period of the day in s (24*60*60).

With every new ω (I think I have to take this ω but I am not sure!?) and formula:

[itex]\Delta LOD = \frac{(\Omega^N - \omega) \cdot T}{\Omega^N}[/itex]

I have to calculate the LOD (so every minute a new one).

My problem is, that ω is a vector and not a scalar to calculate the LOD. In this special case (without torques), LOD should be constant I think.

Questions
  • I think, without external torques the LOD is constant, right?
  • Can I calculate ΩN or should I use 2∏/(60*60*60) or should I take this constant from the internet?
  • How can I calculate the ω in LOD formula? I tried to calculate the distance (sqrt(x²+y²+z²)), but I think this is the wrong way to solve this.

Ideas
  • I can look, when ω has turned around 2∏? That would be one day. Then calculate how long it takes for one sec and use this result in the LOD calculation for ω. But how can I realize that with the stuff I've given? Or is this idea stupid?

Please help me :confused:.

Best regards!
 
Last edited:
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Ok, found the mistake after controlling several times all equations. There was an error in my calculation.
 

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