Mechanics > Rotational Dynamics > Angular Momentum DCS# 1Q50.76

GYROSCOPE PENDULUM



APPARATUS
gyroscope pendulum and support
202-15-C
motor with foot pedal
202-15-E6


DESCRIPTION
The pendulum swings for many cycles when the gyroscope is not spinning.  The spinning gyroscope will damp out the motion of the pendulum in a quarter of a cycle.

The gyroscope's spin axis is vertical, and its precession axis is horizontal and in the plane of oscillation of the pendulum.  The precession of the gyro is opposed by a torque applied to the inner gimbal by the hinged arm visible in the photo at the right.  Friction in the hinge is adjustable by a thumbscrew.
This is similar to the model ship stabilizer.

REFERENCES

Sutton M-195.