- #1
hkyriazi
- 175
- 2
We know intuitively that a gyroscope in zero gravity (or free fall) can spin almost indefinitely with either a zero or 90 degree precession angle (i.e., spinning perfectly along its axis or along its "side," respectively). Why shouldn't it be able to spin at intermediate states, such as with a precession angle of 45 degrees?
If the answer is yes (which I think it is, based not only on the above intuition, but from observing what a rapidly spinning, smooth-surfaced ballpoint pen does after I flick it from between my fingers and before it hits the ground), does anyone here know of an equation that relates the spinning object's distribution of mass (moment of inertia), spin rate, precession rate, and precession angle?
If the answer is yes (which I think it is, based not only on the above intuition, but from observing what a rapidly spinning, smooth-surfaced ballpoint pen does after I flick it from between my fingers and before it hits the ground), does anyone here know of an equation that relates the spinning object's distribution of mass (moment of inertia), spin rate, precession rate, and precession angle?