If a single weight is rotated fast enough(at a distance from its hub), could it balance on its own like a giro

Question

I'm actually thinking of 2 contra-rotating weights rotating about the hub of a single electric motor ----- could fast rotation, enable

the hub of the motor to (more, or less ) stand still? If the answer is 'yes', then, is there a 'set' speed for this, or would that depend on the 'weight' of the weights, and/or their distances from the hub?

Both weights are equal distances from the hub.

Answer 1

Yes it would!

I don't know where the other contributors went to school but I would ask for my money back!!

As for speeds and rotating masses, - thats more of a question on mathematics than cycling! I don't have the inclination to go through the figures (it's late here in the UK)

Maybe if the answer is REALLY that important, then perhaps try a maths forum??

Done the best I could mate!

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Answer 2

Your question refers to a 'single weight' but the rest of the text mentions 'both weights'  what do you mean?

A single weight couldn't do what you ask as it would need a counterweight to balance it.

Answer 3

A giro is a payment method

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Giro

I presume your mean gyro ( as in an abbreviation ) of gyroscope

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gyroscope

Any spinning mass will have a gyroscopic effect

The greater the speed and mass the stronger the effect will be

Answer 4

Well, the thing is that a bicycle is partially balanced (when on the move) by the artificial forces that are commonly referred to as centrifugal.

This is why it is easier to cycle with 'no hands' at speed than it is to do so at a slower speed.

If the weight of the wheel is increased then a gyroscopic force would be generated that would support the wheel if a sufficiently high rate of rotation was applied. The downside would be the fact that it would be very difficult to change direction - because of the gyroscopic forces generated- and if it was actually used in a cycle, it would be extremely difficult to get under way and exceedingly difficult to stop.

You would be better off buying a gyroscope.

The idea of a single weight on the end of a bar would create a lot of vibration. A contra rotating single weight would double this vibration. Well not actually, but I'm sure you get the drift. The weight would have to be evenly distributed around the circumference of the rotation.

I still think that the weight of the unit would be prohibitive. If balance is a problem, try a tricycle.

Answer 5

I don't think so. At some point both of the weighs are traveling toward the same direction and not balancing each other.

Look at it this way the, weight at the 12 o'clock position is rotating counter clockwise, the other weight at  6 o'clock is moving clockwise.   Both weights are moving to the left and therefore can not balance each other out.  

When both weights reach the 9 o'clock position they are both acting upon the shaft in the same direction away from the center. Again not balanced.

You don't need the math, It's not rocket science.