MacCullagh ellipsoid

The MacCullagh ellipsoid is defined by the equation:

${\frac {x^{2}}{A}}+{\frac {y^{2}}{B}}+{\frac {z^{2}}{C}}=2E,$

where $E$ is the energy and $x,y,z$ are the components of the angular momentum, given in body's principal reference frame, with corresponding principal moments of inertia $A,B,C$. The construction of such ellipsoid was conceived by James MacCullagh.

See also

• Dzhanibekov effect
• Poinsot's ellipsoid