Motions about a fixed point by hypergeometric functions: new non-complex analytical solutions and integration of the herpolhode

The present study highlights the dynamics of a body moving about a fixed point and provides analytical closed form solutions. Firstly, for the symmetrical heavy body, that is the Lagrange–Poisson case, we compute the second (precession, ψ) and third (spin, φ) Euler angles in explicit and real form by means of multiple hypergeometric (Lauricella) functions. Secondly, releasing the weight assumption but adding the complication of the asymmetry, by means of elliptic integrals of third kind, we provide the precession angle ψ completing the treatment of the Euler–Poinsot case. Thirdly, by integrating the relevant differential equation, we reach the finite polar equation of a special motion trajectory named the herpolhode. Finally, we keep the symmetry of the first problem, but without weight, and take into account a viscous dissipation. The use of motion first integrals—adopted for the first two problems—is no longer practicable in this situation; therefore, the Euler equations, faced directly, are driving to particular occurrences of Bessel functions of order -1/2.