Converting Rotation to Translation?

[DAN421]

**I am an extreme amateur when it comes to physics, so please forgive me if I use the wrong terminology or my description is incomplete**

My washing machine always seems to get out of balance and "walk" across the room during the spin cycle, which led me to think up the following scenario:

Suppose I am standing on a skateboard holding a bicycle wheel at its axis, but the bicycle wheel is extremely unbalanced. I spin up the bicycle wheel, which wobbles violently in my hands. If I push out of phase against the wobble, will I accelerate on the skateboard?

Fundamentally, I suppose I am asking if it is possible to convert angular momentum into linear momentum. Why or why not is this possible?

 

[berkeman]

**I am an extreme amateur when it comes to physics, so please forgive me if I use the wrong terminology or my description is incomplete**

My washing machine always seems to get out of balance and "walk" across the room during the spin cycle, which led me to think up the following scenario:

Suppose I am standing on a skateboard holding a bicycle wheel at its axis, but the bicycle wheel is extremely unbalanced. I spin up the bicycle wheel, which wobbles violently in my hands. If I push out of phase against the wobble, will I accelerate on the skateboard?

Fundamentally, I suppose I am asking if it is possible to convert angular momentum into linear momentum. Why or why not is this possible?

Welcome to the PF.

It's not possible if there is no friction with the environment (your skateboard example). If you have friction or air resistance, it's straightforward.