On the motion of an ellipsoid on a rough surface with slippage (Q1058372)

The method of averaging is used to investigate the motion with slippage of a homogeneous, triaxial and almost spherical ellipsoid on a fixed horizontal plane in the presence of a small amount of dry friction. The first approximation equations are very complicated and their full integration is not performed. Two first integrals of the averaged equations are found, general geometrical properties of the motion are investigated and simplest particular solutions of the averaged equations considered. The qualitative and quantitative investigation of the tendency of the ellipsoid to rotate about its largest, vertically positioned axis, is carried out. Results of the analysis of the motion of the ellipsoid in the presence of a small amount of dry friction are also formulated.