Configuration Space
The configuration space of a rigid body with one point fixed (i.e., a body with zero translational motion) is given by the underlying manifold of the rotation group SO(3). The configuration space of a nonfixed (with non-zero translational motion) rigid body is E+(3), the subgroup of direct isometries of the Euclidean group in three dimensions (combinations of translations and rotations).
Read more about this topic: Rigid Body
Famous quotes containing the word space:
“Not so many years ago there there was no simpler or more intelligible notion than that of going on a journey. Travelmovement through spaceprovided the universal metaphor for change.... One of the subtle confusionsperhaps one of the secret terrorsof modern life is that we have lost this refuge. No longer do we move through space as we once did.”
—Daniel J. Boorstin (b. 1914)