butelja
Mechanical
- Jun 9, 1999
- 674
Surely someone in the past has had this idea before. If anyone knows of any published reports or patents dealing with this or a similar idea, I'm curious for more details.
Here it is: A relatively large gyroscope is rigidly mounted in a vehicle at the vehicle's center of gravity with its spin axis in the horizontal plane perpendicular to the cars longitudinal axis. The gyro's spin rate is proportional to the vehicle's forward speed. When the vehicle is executing a turn, the gyroscope is precessed by the vehicle's yaw rate. The gyroscope in turn exerts a torque via the right hand rule on the chasis that counteracts the lateral load transfer the car would otherwise encounter due to lateral acceleration. Since the load distribution side to side is maintained equally even in a turn, the cornering capability should be improved.
Possible downside would be a huge increase in rotating mass, which would negatively affect acceleration and fuel efficiency. Also, packaging and safety would be concerns. But, has it been tried before?
Here it is: A relatively large gyroscope is rigidly mounted in a vehicle at the vehicle's center of gravity with its spin axis in the horizontal plane perpendicular to the cars longitudinal axis. The gyro's spin rate is proportional to the vehicle's forward speed. When the vehicle is executing a turn, the gyroscope is precessed by the vehicle's yaw rate. The gyroscope in turn exerts a torque via the right hand rule on the chasis that counteracts the lateral load transfer the car would otherwise encounter due to lateral acceleration. Since the load distribution side to side is maintained equally even in a turn, the cornering capability should be improved.
Possible downside would be a huge increase in rotating mass, which would negatively affect acceleration and fuel efficiency. Also, packaging and safety would be concerns. But, has it been tried before?
