What Are the Correct Euler's Angles for Rotating a Cube?

In summary, the Euler's angles corresponding to the rotations of a cube around each of its principal axes are as follows: - around the x-axis: \theta=\theta, \phi=\psi=0 - around the z-axis: \psi=\theta=0, \phi=\theta - around the y-axis: \theta=-\frac{\pi}{2} - \alpha, \phi=\psi=-\frac{\pi}{2} The solution can be formalized using rotation matrices and the Euler's transform matrix.
  • #1
Cosmossos
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Homework Statement


What are the Euler's angles corresponding to the rotations of a cube in [tex]\theta[/tex] radians around each of its principal axes



around the x: [tex]\theta[/tex]=[tex]\theta[/tex]
[tex]\phi[/tex]=[tex]\psi[/tex]=0

around z:[tex]\psi[/tex]=[tex]\theta[/tex]=0
[tex]\phi[/tex]=[tex]\theta[/tex]

around y:[tex]\phi[/tex]=[tex]\theta[/tex]=[tex]\theta[/tex]
[tex]\psi[/tex]=-[tex]\theta[/tex]


is it correct? how can I make it more clear? It's very confusing...
 
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  • #2
Help me please...
 
  • #3
In order to formalize the solution you can use the rotation matrices: [tex] \hat{R}_x(\alpha) [/tex], [tex] \hat{R}_y(\alpha) [/tex], [tex] \hat{R}_z(\alpha) [/tex] and the matrix which describes the whole Euler's transform:

[tex]
\hat{R}(\theta, \phi, \psi) =
\hat{R}_z(\phi) \hat{R}_x(\theta) \hat{R}_z(\psi) \quad (1)
[/tex]

It's easy to get rotation around the x and z axes from (1) and your answers for these cases are right.

As for y-axis the condition

[tex]
\hat{R}(\theta, \phi, \psi) = \hat{R}_y(\alpha)
[/tex]

yields

[tex]
\theta = -\frac{\pi}{2} - \alpha;
[/tex]

[tex]
\phi = \psi = -\frac{\pi}{2}.
[/tex]
 

FAQ: What Are the Correct Euler's Angles for Rotating a Cube?

What are Euler's angles?

Euler's angles are a set of three angles that describe the orientation of a rigid body in three-dimensional space. They are used to specify the rotations needed to transform one coordinate system into another.

Why are Euler's angles important for rotating a cube?

Euler's angles are important for rotating a cube because they provide a way to describe the orientation of the cube in three-dimensional space. By specifying the rotation angles, we can precisely define the position of the cube and accurately rotate it to a desired orientation.

How many Euler angles are needed to rotate a cube?

Three Euler angles are needed to rotate a cube. These angles represent rotations around the three axes of a coordinate system: x, y, and z. By combining these rotations, any orientation of the cube can be achieved.

What is the order of rotations for Euler's angles?

The order of rotations for Euler's angles is important and can vary depending on the convention used. One common convention is to rotate around the z-axis first, then the y-axis, and finally the x-axis. Another convention is to rotate around the x-axis first, then the y-axis, and finally the z-axis.

Are Euler's angles unique for rotating a cube?

No, Euler's angles are not unique for rotating a cube. There are multiple combinations of Euler angles that can produce the same orientation of the cube. This is known as gimbal lock and can lead to ambiguity and difficulty in interpreting the orientation of the cube.

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