A nonlinear oscillator analog of rigid body dynamics
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A rigorously valid nonlinear oscillator analog of the torque-free rotational dynamics of a general rigid body is presented. The analog consists of three uncoupled nonlinear oscillators, the motion of each being governed by a second order nonlinear ordinary differential equation of the Duffing type. The nonlinear oscillator analog and three associated phase planes, as established herein, provide a new basis for analysis and visualization of rigid body dynamics. The phase planes are particularly useful in providing complete visibility of the motion's limiting cases and stability properties. 1973 D. Reidel Publishing Company.