Euler's Equation via Lagrangian Dynamics with Generalized Coordinates

Abstract

Euler's equation relates the change in angular momentum of a rigid body to the applied torque. This paper fills a gap in the literature by using Lagrangian dynamics to derive Euler's equation in terms of generalized coordinates. This is done by parameterizing the angular velocity vector in terms of 3-2-1 and 3-1-3 Euler angles as well as Euler parameters, that is, unit quaternions.