Modeling Gyrating Motion using Mathematica

Authors

Jonathan Alvarado-Gomez, Macalester CollegeFollow

Abstract

In this report I will describe a method of creating animations of gyrating objects in Mathematica [4]. There are 4 inputs to a function called trajectory, which are a time step, maximum time duration, initial force vector, and a 3x3 matrix that represents a tensor for the gyration of the object. I utilized the computer program Mathematica [4] to create 3D images of a gyrating object in the object frame of view. A collection of these images were put together in order to make an animation, which can be used as a tool for future researchers to investigate interesting paths of gyrations an object can take. Such animations can be as complicated or as simple as the researcher requires, depending on the particular goals of the researcher.

Streaming Media

Recommended Citation

Alvarado-Gomez, Jonathan (2021) "Modeling Gyrating Motion using Mathematica," Macalester Journal of Physics and Astronomy: Vol. 9: Iss. 1, Article 1.
Available at: https://digitalcommons.macalester.edu/mjpa/vol9/iss1/1