|
This exhibit
demonstrates the non-intuitive forces and motions one experiences
when dealing with gyroscopes. This gyroscope, unlike most others,
allows the addition or subtraction of angular momentum because of
its two wheels. When the wheels are spun in the same direction,
their combined motion add, when spun oppositely, they can cancel
if spun to the same speed. To demonstrate precession, a sliding
weight provides an adjustable but constant force for experimentation.
The exhibit is mounted on a table which in turn is mounted on a
set of good casters. When the gyroscope is spun up and the sliding
weight set for no precession (in the middle), the exhibit can be
moved aroung the museum floor and it will not change its spatial
orientation (much).
|
|
