Herpolhode

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A herpolhode is the curve traced out by the endpoint of the angular velocity vector of a rigid rotor, a rotating rigid body. The endpoint of the angular velocity moves in a plane in absolute space, called the invariable plane. The fact that the herpolhode is a curve in the invariable plane appears as part of Poinsot's construction.

[edit] References

H. Goldstein, Classical Mechanics, Addison-Wesley (1950), p. 159 ff.

[edit] See also

• Poinsot's construction
• Polhode