Question icon
Grade 12th passMechanics

why principal axis is called the eigenvector of moment of inertia tensor

Profile image of renu sharma
8 Years agoGrade 12th pass
Answers icon

1 Answer

Profile image of Arun
8 Years ago
Dear Renu
 
A principal axis of rotation (or principal direction) is an eigenvector of the mass moment of inertia tensor defined relative to some point (typically the centre of mass). The corresponding eigen values are called the principal moments of inertia.. Because the moment of inertia tensor is defined relative to the point x = 0 in the space, the principal axes all pass through that point (usually the center of mass).
Hence principal axis is called the eigenvector of moment of inertia tensor.
 
Regards
Arun (askIITians forum expert)