Degrees of freedom (DOF) are defined as the minimum number of parameters required to uniquely describe a system's configuration. In three-dimensional space, a point has 3 DOF, while a rigid body has 6 DOF, which include three for position and three for rotation. The discussion highlights the distinction between 'quadratic' DOF and 'free' DOF, emphasizing that while some systems may seem to require fewer parameters, three angles (yaw, pitch, roll) are necessary to fully describe an object's orientation in 3D space. The example of a double pendulum illustrates that specific systems can have varying degrees of freedom based on their configuration.
PREREQUISITESStudents in physics, engineers working with mechanical systems, and professionals in robotics or motion analysis will benefit from this discussion on degrees of freedom and their implications in various fields.
Surely there are only five. I think you can uniquely describe the angle of rotation of an object using only two angles of rotation.cristo said:An object in 3 dimensional space has 6 degrees of freedom: three defining its position in space, and 3 defining the angles of rotation. Again, if we specify these 6 parameters, then we have uniquely described the system.
DaveC426913 said:Surely there are only five...
DaveC426913 said:I think you can uniquely describe the angle of rotation of an object using only two angles of rotation.
By definition, the degrees of freedom is the minimum number of variables required to uniquely define the mechanical configuration of thhe system. E.g. a double pendulum has two degress of freedom. Two variables that might be chosen are the angle each pendulum makes with the vertical.cks said:What do you understand about this?
From high school, I just memorize the definition of it, the number of ways of obtaining energy independently. Well, it's pretty unclear by this definition.