Question |
| Asked by: |
Luis Gonzalez |
| Subject: |
Gyro Knowledge - Which Gyro has faster precession? |
| Question: |
Given 2 gyroscopes built exactly the same way with only one difference. The flywheels of the gyros have different mass (therefore have different weights on earth) even though they have the same dimensions. (The wheels are made of different materials).
Both gyros are spun with the same angular velocity.
Will their rate of precession be different or the same?
If there is a difference which one will display faster precession the lighter one or the heavier one?
Regards,
Luis
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| Date: |
31 July 2005
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Answers (Ordered by Date)
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| Answer: |
Luis Gonzalez - 31/07/2005 18:12:10
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| | I am sorry I put this question in the wrong area. I will put it in the Propulsion discussion area where it should develop in the right direction.
Thank you,
Luis
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| Answer: |
Hawkins - 10/08/2005 16:45:01
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| | As you have described them, both precess at the same speed, only the angular momentum is different being greater of course in the heavier. How much mass doesen't alter the speed of precesion, however shape and dimensions mean everything. For instance and surprisingly to many perhaps, if you should slice either flywheel into ten thin slices, each slice would independently precess ‘ever so slightly’ faster than if it were connected to form again the original flywheel. I’ll bet this in now confusing for sure.
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