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Extension to Eulers's theorem to n-dimensional spacesEuler's theorem states that any sequence of finite rotations of a rigid body can be described as a single rotation of the body about a fixed axis in three-dimensional Euclidean space. The usual statement of the theorem in the literature cannot be extended to Euclidean spaces of other dimensions. Equivalent formulations of the theorem are given in this paper and proven in a way which does not limit them to the three-dimensional Euclidean space. Thus, the equivalent theorems hold in other dimensions. The proof of one formulation presents an algorithm which shows how to compute an angular-difference matrix that represents a single rotation which is equivalent to the sequence of rotations that have generated the final n-D orientation. This algorithm results also in a constant angular-velocity which, when applied to the initial orientation, yields eventually the final orientation regardless of what angular velocity generated the latter. Finally, the extension of the theorem is demonstrated in a four-dimensional numerical example.
Document ID
19900004115
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Conference Paper
Authors
Bar-Itzhack, Itzhack Y.
(Technion - Israel Inst. of Tech. Haifa., United States)
Date Acquired
September 6, 2013
Publication Date
October 1, 1989
Publication Information
Publication: Flight Mechanics(Estimation Theory Symposium, 1989
Subject Category
Numerical Analysis
Accession Number
90N13431
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Work of the US Gov. Public Use Permitted.
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