Eugene Butikov 2006 Eur. J. Phys. 27 1071 doi:10.1088/0143-0807/27/5/006
Eugene Butikov
Show affiliationsA simple treatment of the important old problem of the torque-induced rotation of a spinning symmetrical top is suggested. Our discussion is appropriate for teaching introductory mechanics and general physics to undergraduate students and is free from the difficulties of a traditional approach to the problem. The origin of nutation that accompanies forced precession is explained in detail, with an accent on its relationship to the torque-free precession of a symmetrical body. A small simulation program is developed that visualizes the investigated motion and illustrates its principal features. The program facilitates understanding about the counterintuitive behaviour of a gyroscope on a qualitative level.
45.40.Cc Rigid body and gyroscope motion
Issue 5 (September 2006)
Received 24 March 2006, in final form 21 April 2006
Published 17 July 2006
Eugene Butikov 2006 Eur. J. Phys. 27 1071
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