The use of torque and centripedal force

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the relationship between torque and centripetal force in the context of sustaining an object in mid-air. Participants explore how torque, generated by spinning a wheel on a stick, can counteract gravity, while centripetal force acts outward. The conversation highlights the complexity of achieving levitation through gyroscopic motion, noting that while torque can create an upward force, it cannot solely sustain an object without additional support. The challenges of using counter-rotating gyroscopes for self-levitation are also emphasized.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of torque and its effects on rotational motion
  • Familiarity with centripetal force and its role in circular motion
  • Basic knowledge of gyroscopic principles and their applications
  • Awareness of gravitational forces and their impact on objects
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the principles of torque in rotational dynamics
  • Explore the mathematical formulation of centripetal force
  • Investigate gyroscopic stability and its applications in engineering
  • Learn about the mechanics of self-levitating systems and their limitations
USEFUL FOR

Physics students, engineers, hobbyists interested in mechanics, and anyone exploring the principles of motion and levitation technologies.

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So I was thinking, I remember a physics experience where you hold and spin the wheel on a stick, if you hold the left side of the stick, the right side would stay up because of torque. Now if you assume the force of torque to be going up to counteract gravity and the other side of the torque where you hold the stick with the centripetal force of going away from a circle, can you sustain an object in mid air?
 
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Realize that you still have to support the weight of the wheel.
 
You might be interested in this explanation on YouTube:

which ,after you answer the poll, continues with:
 
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That's where you transfer the centripetal force using torque into an upward force. I suppose I was really not getting how the other side of the wheel around the stick manages to stay up.
 
That is one cool video but there was not much explanation. This UFO citing and lack of sleep is getting to my head, I'll check the post tomorrow.



A centripetal force would make it move in a outward direction, so just centripetal force and a lowering angle would work.
 
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Nevermind, you still need an upward force, thanks for the video.
 
Gyro produce torques rather than linear forces. If you try to make a machine that self levitates by using contra rotating gyros they tend to bend the machine rather than lift it.
precession_sm3.jpg
 
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