Apparent Initial Acceleration due to Precession of Wheel Gyroscope?

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on the dynamics of a wheel gyroscope, particularly how its center of mass (CoM) experiences acceleration during precession. When a gyroscope is spun and released, it undergoes precession due to torque from gravity, which alters its angular momentum. The CoM's circular motion is influenced by the support's reaction force, which acts as the centripetal force necessary for maintaining this motion. The conversation also clarifies that if the support is free to move, it will rotate around the CoM, demonstrating the principles of torque and precession in gyroscopic systems.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of torque and angular momentum in physics
  • Familiarity with gyroscopic motion and precession
  • Basic knowledge of forces acting on a system, including centripetal force
  • Ability to interpret diagrams related to mechanical systems
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the principles of gyroscopic precession in detail
  • Learn about torque and its effects on angular momentum
  • Explore the dynamics of pendulum systems and restoring forces
  • Investigate the behavior of gyroscopes in various support conditions
USEFUL FOR

Physics students, mechanical engineers, and anyone interested in the principles of rotational dynamics and gyroscopic systems.

HakimTem
Messages
3
Reaction score
0
The center of mass of a system is defined as a point that acts as if all the mass is concentrated on that one point whereby all forces may act on it. With a wheel gyroscope as an example where the center of mass is in the middle of the wheel when the wheel is spun and let go, the wheel undergoes precession whereby it rotates around its support. This comes from the nature of torque by gravity on the wheel changing its angular momentum. However, why does the center of mass gain an acceleration when it's let go to pursue a circular orbit? And which force causes such acceleration?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
The force for the circular motion of the CoM comes from the support. If you spin the gyroscope on something slippery the CoM will stay in place and the support will make a circle instead.
 
So if using this as a diagram
f0409.gif

how does the wheel initially start moving in the horizontal plane and where are the forces labeled on the diagram?
 
That diagram is not accurate. The chain will not hang vertically, but will make a small angle with the vertical. This small angle with the vertical will produce a restoring force like any pendulum. The restoring force will serve as the centripetal force for the circular motion of the CoM as it precesses.
 
So if the support is not supported by the ground and is allowed to move with the wheel then it would rotate around the center of mass?
 
HakimTem said:
So if the support is not supported by the ground and is allowed to move with the wheel then it would rotate around the center of mass?
Yes. If the support cannot provide any horizontal force, but only a vertical force, then the center of mass will not move. It will just precess around the center.
 

Similar threads

Undergrad How to quantify gyroscopic precession torque?
  • · Replies 49 ·
2
Replies
49
Views
4K
Undergrad Precession of a gyroscope in freefall
  • · Replies 10 ·
Replies
10
Views
3K
Undergrad Gyroscopic precession of a spin-stabilized bullet
  • · Replies 10 ·
Replies
10
Views
4K
Undergrad PIGA: Pendulous Integrating Gyroscopic Accelerometer
  • · Replies 0 ·
Replies
0
Views
1K
Undergrad What does weight actually do in gyroscopic precession?
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
2K
Undergrad Why do bullets precess in the opposite way from gyroscope diagrams?
  • · Replies 23 ·
Replies
23
Views
3K
Graduate Gyroscopic precession of a bicycle wheel
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
4K
Undergrad Direction of friction of each wheel and total moment when a car turns
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
2K
Undergrad Why Doesn't a Spinning Wheel Drop Due to Its Own Weight?
  • · Replies 19 ·
Replies
19
Views
6K
Undergrad Torque required from powered roller to rotate cylinder
  • · Replies 19 ·
Replies
19
Views
2K