Definition:Rotational Motion

Definition

Let $B$ be a body which is in motion.

Let the velocities of the individual particles of $B$ be defined by a vector field $\mathbf V$ over $B$.

Let the curl of $\mathbf V$ be non-zero.

Then the motion of $B$ is described as being rotational.

Also known as

In the context of fluid mechanics, rotational motion is often seen referred to as vortical motion.

Also see

• Definition:Irrotational Motion

Sources

• 1951: B. Hague: An Introduction to Vector Analysis (5th ed.) ... (previous) ... (next): Chapter $\text {IV}$: The Operator $\nabla$ and its Uses: $5$. Simple Examples of Curl