RE: [Algorithms] dynamics in left-handed coordinate frames

[Jon W. <hp...@mi...>]

> A maths/dynamics question really for anyone who has tried doing
> rigid body dynamics in a left handed world. I'm wondering what or
> if there is a "usual" way to treat vector x-products / Coriolis /
> and so on in a left handed coordinate system.

Math is handed-less.

X cross Y equals Z in RH and LH systems.
Z, rotated +90 degrees about Y, yields X in RH and LH systems.

The two worlds are the same; they're just mirrored. As long as you always
use a consistent convention, the numbers are all the same.

Note that the "change triangle winding" rule to do backface culling in LH vs
RH come from "consistent convention": In a RH system, counter-clockwise is
the same as RH spin around the angle going out of the screen; in a LH
system, positive spin around the out-the-screen axis is clockwise.

As long as you're careful about putting numbers in, and taking numbers out,
using a consistent coordinate system, you'll be OK. This is no different
from, say, matching units of force to units of mass, except it's a rather
binary unit :-)

Cheers,

			/ h+