A method for relaxing parameter constraints in rigid body dynamics

As attractive alternatives to a set of three Euler angles, the rotation of a rigidly deforming body is often represented using four or more parameters. The accompanying parameter constraints introduce generalized constraint forces in the equations of motion which can often negate the benefits of a particular parameterization. In this paper, we discuss situations where the parameter constraints are not imposed. Thus, although the body no longer deforms rigidly, it does deform homogeneously. This allows the theory of a Cosserat point (or, equivalently, the theory of a pseudo-rigid body) to be used to establish equations governing its motion. Earlier work on this topic by O'Reilly and Varadi considered the four Euler parameters and the single Euler parameter constraint. Here, we consider Poincare's six parameter representation of a rotation tensor, and, complementing earlier work, discuss numerical implementation and representative simulations. One of the contributions of this paper is the development of a viscoelastic Cosserat point, whose equations of motion are free from parameter constraints and singularities, that can be used to approximate the motion of a rigid body. (C) 2004 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.