Gyroscope (Coriolis Torque and Force)

In summary, the Coriolis torque on a point mass can be calculated using the equation for the area of a circle, the mass of the point mass, and the angular displacement.
  • #1
andyonassis
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Homework Statement
Using integration, show that the total coriolis torque acting on the gyroscope when the wheel has a mass M is:
$$ \vec{N} = -\frac{1}{2}Mr^2\omega\dot{\theta} \sin \alpha \hat{y} $$
This torque is the basis of the gyrocompass.
The Coriolis force can produce a torque on a spinning object.
The ##\hat{x},\hat{y}## and ##\hat{z}## components of ##d\vec{N}## about the origin due to the coriolis force in the ##xyz## coordinate system which acts on a point mass ##m## on the gyroscope's rim is given by:
$$ d\vec{N} = -2r^{2}\omega\dot{\theta}[(\sin(\alpha)cos(\theta)(\sin\theta)\hat{x}-\cos^{2}(\theta) \sin (\alpha) \hat{y})] \times [dm]$$
##\alpha## is the angle that the gyro makes with the earth and ##\theta## is the angle of the gyroscope that rotates around its axis.
Relevant Equations
Equations for coriolis force and torque.
I know that to prove the total coriolis torque from the coriolis torque on a point mass is to express dm as a function of ##d\theta## and integrate from 0 to ##2\pi## and then the x component disappears due to orthogonality of sine and cosine. But i am stuck at other parts.
 
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  • #2
To prove the total Coriolis torque from the Coriolis torque on a point mass, you need to first start by expressing the torque on a point mass as a function of the angular velocity. The torque on a point mass is given by:$$ \tau_{Coriolis} = m \cdot \omega \times (\omega \times r) $$Where m is the mass of the point mass, ω is the angular velocity, and r is the vector from the origin to the point mass.Next, you need to express the mass of the point mass, m, as a function of the angular displacement, θ. This can be done using the equation for the area of a circle, A = πr2, where r is the radius. Thus, the mass of the point mass is given by:$$ m = \frac{A}{2\pi r} = \frac{r}{2\pi} d\theta $$Now that the mass is expressed as a function of the angular displacement, we can substitute this expression into the expression for the Coriolis torque. This gives us:$$ \tau_{Coriolis} = \frac{r}{2\pi} d\theta \cdot \omega \times (\omega \times r) $$Finally, to find the total Coriolis torque, we need to integrate this expression from 0 to 2π. This gives us:$$ \tau_{total} = \int_0^{2\pi} \frac{r}{2\pi} d\theta \cdot \omega \times (\omega \times r) $$Since the x component of the torque disappears due to orthogonality of sine and cosine, the final expression for the total Coriolis torque is:$$ \tau_{total} = \int_0^{2\pi} \frac{r}{2\pi} d\theta \cdot \omega_y \cdot (\omega_z \cdot r_x - \omega_x \cdot r_z) $$
 

What is a gyroscope and how does it work?

A gyroscope is a device that uses the principle of angular momentum to measure and maintain orientation. It consists of a spinning rotor, which is mounted on a set of gimbals to allow it to rotate freely in any direction. When the gyroscope is rotated, its axis of rotation remains fixed in space, allowing it to accurately measure changes in orientation.

What is Coriolis torque and how does it affect a gyroscope?

Coriolis torque is a force that acts on a spinning object when it is in motion in a rotating frame of reference. In a gyroscope, this torque causes the rotor to precess, or rotate around a different axis, when the gyroscope is moved or rotated. This effect is used in gyroscopes to measure changes in orientation.

What is the difference between Coriolis torque and Coriolis force?

Coriolis torque is the force that causes a spinning object to precess, while Coriolis force is the force that acts on a moving object in a rotating frame of reference. In a gyroscope, Coriolis torque is used to measure changes in orientation, while Coriolis force is used to measure changes in linear acceleration.

What are some common applications of gyroscopes in science and technology?

Gyroscopes have a wide range of applications in science and technology. They are commonly used in navigation systems, such as in airplanes, ships, and spacecraft, to measure changes in orientation and maintain stability. They are also used in robotics, virtual reality systems, and motion sensors in smartphones and other devices.

How do gyroscopes help with stability and balance in vehicles?

In vehicles, gyroscopes are used to measure changes in orientation and provide feedback to control systems, allowing for better stability and balance. This is particularly important in vehicles that operate in unstable environments, such as airplanes in turbulent air or ships in rough seas. Gyroscopes can also be used to stabilize cameras and other equipment on moving vehicles.

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