Past exam of the classical mechanics course of the University of Oxford / 2023 / 2 / b / iii / Solution

Let $J=I_1=I_2$, ${\omega }_3=c$ andHere $c$ and $\nu$ are constant. The first two of Euler's equations give ${\dot{\omega }}_1=-\nu {\omega }_2+{\tau }_0/J$ and ${\dot{\omega }}_2=\nu {\omega }_1+{\tau }_0/J$. Combining them producesMultiplication by the integrating factor $e^{-i\nu t}$ gives, for $\nu \ne 0$,For completeness, $\nu =0$ instead gives $z(t)=z(0)+{\tau }_0(1+i)t/J$. These formulas describe a symmetric top under constant transverse body torque.

The stated initial conditions require $b\ne 0$ and $I_3\ne J$. They give $c=b/(I_3-J)$, $\nu =b/J$ and $z(0)=i{\tau }_0/b$. Substitution and simplification yieldTaking the real part and imaginary part, the angular velocity in the principal body frame isIts value at $t=0$ is the required initial condition; differentiating the first two components verifies both forced Euler's equations.