Angular Momentum – Parallel Axis Theorem and Koenig Theorem for Angular Momentum

angular momentummoment of inertiareference framesrigid-body-dynamicsrotational-dynamics

Are the parallel axis theorem and the Koenig theorem for angular momentum linked with each other in rigid body dynamics?

The parallel axis theorem states that $$I_{z}=I_{cm}+ma^2$$

Koenig theorem for angular momentum states that $$\vec{L}=\vec{L_{cm}}+\vec{L'}$$ Where $\vec{L'}$ is the angular momentum measured in cm frame.


They are different of course but in which way are they related in rigid body description?

Is there a general proof of the fact that these two are related?

Best Answer

Let the body rotate about the $z$-axis, then by the definition of angular momentum

$$\vec{L}=\vec{\omega} I_z.$$

where $\omega$ is the angular velocity about the $z$-axis. So we could take the parallel axis theorem and multiply it by $\omega$:

$$\vec{\omega}I_{z}=\vec{\omega}I_{cm}+\vec{\omega}ma^2$$

Now ponder the terms in it. If I understand the notation in the König theorem correctly, we have that $\vec{L}_{cm}$ is the angular momentum of the centre of mass about the rotation axis (i.e. as if the mass was concentrated at the COM). This is indeed the last term, so:

$$\vec{L}_{cm}=\vec{\omega}ma^2$$

The term $\vec{\omega}I_{cm}$ can then be defined as $\vec{L}'$, which gives the König relation, as the OP required. A further trivial step would be giving $\vec{L}'$ further physical interpretation (e.g. it is the angular momentum about the COM).