MadSci Network: Physics
Query:

Subject: Will the speed of a perfect gyroscope decay if forced against precession

Date: Sun Jan 28 18:48:49 2001
Posted by No name entered.
Grade level: nonaligned School: none
City: No city entered. State/Province: No state entered. Country: No country entered.
Area of science: Physics
ID: 980725729.Ph
Message:

To explain further, consider the front wheel of a bicicyle as a gyroscope, 
spinning on imaginary perfect (frictionless) bearings in a perfect vacuum 
where it would spin forever if left undisturbed. The bike frame is mounted 
rigidly so it can't be moved by the precession of the wheel. Now let's 
rotate the fork, as if to steer the wheel. This forces the gyroscope to 
move in a manner against it's natural precession. In reality the force 
would transmit to the bearings, the higher pressures and associated 
friction decaying the rpm of the wheel, but what about our 
imaginary "perfect" gyroscope? Would it be slowed and if so by what? 


Re: Will the speed of a perfect gyroscope decay if forced against precession

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