= Major-axis relaxation theorem
{title2=$T\geq L^2/(2I_{\max})$}
= Major axis theorem
{synonym}
At fixed <angular momentum>, rotational <energy> is minimized by <rotation> about the largest principal <moment of inertia>. Indeed, $T=\sum_iL_i^2/(2I_i)\geq\sum_iL_i^2/(2I_{\max})$. Weak internal dissipation can therefore relax a nearly rigid isolated body towards that axis. A perfectly rigid torque-free body conserves <energy> and does not settle; both extreme-inertia axes are stable in its ideal dynamics. The maximum-inertia axis need not be the geometrically longest axis.
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