A simple model for the falling cat problem

We introduce a specific four-particle, four degree-of-freedom model and calculate the rotation that can be achieved by purely internal torques and forces, keeping the total angular momentum zero. We argue that the model qualitatively explains much of the ability of a cat to land on its feet even tho...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:European journal of physics 2018-05, Vol.39 (3), p.35004
Main Authors: Essén, Hanno, Nordmark, Arne
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
falling cat problem
four degrees-of-freedom system
four-particle model
zero angular momentum rotation
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Summary:We introduce a specific four-particle, four degree-of-freedom model and calculate the rotation that can be achieved by purely internal torques and forces, keeping the total angular momentum zero. We argue that the model qualitatively explains much of the ability of a cat to land on its feet even though released from rest upside down.
ISSN:0143-0807
1361-6404
1361-6404
DOI:10.1088/1361-6404/aaac06