Three-Dimensional Kinematics of Rigid Bodies - Theory & Concepts - Coriolis

Analysis of the motion of rigid bodies in three dimensions, including translation, rotation about a fixed axis, general motion, and Euler's theorem.

Coriolis Effect — Rotating Reference Frame

Platform

\Omega

(Angular Vel.)1.5 rad/s

CCW (−)CW (+)

Particle Speed (

v

)2.0 m/s

Coriolis Deflection Preview

Rotating Frame Acceleration:

\mathbf{a}_{\text{abs}} = \mathbf{a}_{\text{rel}} + \dot{\boldsymbol{\Omega}} \times \mathbf{r} + \boldsymbol{\Omega} \times (\boldsymbol{\Omega} \times \mathbf{r}) + 2\boldsymbol{\Omega} \times \mathbf{v}_{\text{rel}}

Coriolis Term:

\mathbf{a}_{\text{Cor}} = 2\boldsymbol{\Omega} \times \mathbf{v}_{\text{rel}}

|\mathbf{a}_{\text{Cor}}| = 2 \times 1.5 \times 2.0 = 6.00\,\text{m/s}^2

Fixed observer: particle moves straight

Rotating observer: particle curves

🌍 Fixed (Inertial) Observer

Fixed: Particle travels in straight line; disc rotates under it.

Rotating: Particle appears to deflect — this is the Coriolis pseudo-force.

Drag to orbit view.

Related simulations