The bifurcation and stability of permanent rotations of a heavy triaxial ellipsoid on a smooth plane (Q1108074)

Stationary motions of a heavy triaxial ellipsoid on a smooth horizontal plane are investigated. Permanent rotations of the ellipsoid are determined as well as the conditions for their existence, branching and stability. Certain special features of the problem in question are noted, namely, the loss of secular stability of the rapid rotation of the ellipsoid when its centre of mass is at its lowest position, the increase in dimensionality of the manifold of permanent rotations of the ellipsoid when the necessary conditions for the existence of the additional integral hold, etc. Earlier results obtained by the authors concerning the stability of regular precessions of a top on a horizontal plane with friction are made more precise.