a (hopefully) simple quaternion question

[[email protected]]

Say my aircraft is in a current orientation of
phi (roll, x-axis) = 0 degrees
theta (pitch, y-axis) = 30 degrees
psi (yaw, z-axis) = 20 degrees

which corresponds to a quaternion
Q = 0.952 + 0.045i + 0.255j + 0.168k

But my desired orientation is
phi = 0 degrees
theta = 0 degrees
psi = 0 degrees
-OR-
Q = 1 + 0i + 0j + 0k

If I am thinking in terms of Euler notation, then I know there is a
pitch error of 30 degrees and need to deflect the elevator to correct
this. Likewise, the 20 degree yaw error must be countered by rudder
deflection. However, if I'm thinking in terms of quaternions, then how
can I go about this?

Thanks in advance,
weg

[john hawkins]

I think you better post this one to sci.aeronautics
it has more engineers that this one.

> wrote in message
oups.com...
> Say my aircraft is in a current orientation of
> phi (roll, x-axis) = 0 degrees
> theta (pitch, y-axis) = 30 degrees
> psi (yaw, z-axis) = 20 degrees
>
> which corresponds to a quaternion
> Q = 0.952 + 0.045i + 0.255j + 0.168k
>
> But my desired orientation is
> phi = 0 degrees
> theta = 0 degrees
> psi = 0 degrees
> -OR-
> Q = 1 + 0i + 0j + 0k
>
> If I am thinking in terms of Euler notation, then I know there is a
> pitch error of 30 degrees and need to deflect the elevator to correct
> this. Likewise, the 20 degree yaw error must be countered by rudder
> deflection. However, if I'm thinking in terms of quaternions, then how
> can I go about this?
>
> Thanks in advance,
> weg
>