Paper 2, Section II, C

Classical Dynamics
Part II, 2011

Derive Euler's equations governing the torque-free and force-free motion of a rigid body with principal moments of inertia I1,I2I_{1}, I_{2} and I3I_{3}, where I1<I2<I3I_{1}<I_{2}<I_{3}. Identify two constants of the motion. Hence, or otherwise, find the equilibrium configurations such that the angular-momentum vector, as measured with respect to axes fixed in the body, remains constant. Discuss the stability of these configurations.

A spacecraft may be regarded as moving in a torque-free and force-free environment. Nevertheless, flexing of various parts of the frame can cause significant dissipation of energy. How does the angular-momentum vector ultimately align itself within the body?