On the nonlinear dynamics of elastically interacting asymmetric rigid bodies

A symmetric mathematical model is developed to describe the spatial motion of a system of space vehicles whose structure is represented by regular geometrical figures (Platonic bodies). The model is symmetrized by using the Euler-Lagrange equations of motion, the Rodrigues-Hamilton parameters, and quaternion matrix mathematics. The results obtained enable us to model a wide range of dynamic, control, stabilization, and orientation problems for complex systems and to solve various problems of dynamic design for such systems, including estimation of dynamic loading on the basic structure during maneuvers in space __________ Translated from Prikladnaya Mekhanika, Vol. 42, No. 1, pp. 126–132, January 2006.     

The development of the dynamics of rigid body with state variables

The dynamics of a rigid body can be investigated by using state variables instead of Euler's equations. Since the differential equations have a canonical form of the first order, the method mentioned has distinct advantages not only for qualitative analysis but also for numerical calculation. In the present paper the development of this method in China is summarized.     

Issues of stability and accuracy in identifying the principal axis of inertia of an inhomogeneous rigid body with a rotating Hooke’s joint

The paper addresses issues of real-world operation of a device designed to experimentally identify the principal central axes of inertia of an arbitrary inhomogeneous rigid body. The effect of external and internal dissipation on the stability and accuracy of the device is studied __________ Translated from Prikladnaya Mekhanika, Vol. 42, No. 11, pp. 131–143, November 2006.