Re: [Paddlewise] gyroscopes for kayaks

From: Michael Daly <michaeldaly_at_rogers.com>
Date: Fri, 1 Feb 2002 12:21:46 -0500
From: <sildriel_at_ciateq.net.mx>

> Hi Mike, 
> 
> I am afraid I disagree with your theory. 
> 
> I believe that precession is present, and assuming the gyroscope axis is 
> longitudinal to the kayak, and if a wake moves the bow upwards, then the 
> gyroscope will NOT FORCE A ROLL. I think it will force a left turn or right 
> turn only.

Yes, but that would only add a stabilization effect for logitudinal
motions, which is where a sea kayak is already the most stable.
I assumed that they want to stabilize for for rolling, for which a
kayak is least stable .

> As I said, if you want to be stable with respect to leaning by side waves, then 
> the gyro should be horizontal but perpendicular to the kayak axis. Again the 
> effect of it, when a wave lifts one side would be to resist the lifting and to 
> turn the bow and/or kayak right or left.

That is correct and Nick point out the same.  I chose the vertical axis version
initially because it is the easiest to fit into a kayak - perhaps under the
seat.  A horixontal axis will put a gyroscope wheel in a vertical plane and 
take up valuable room.

Mike

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Received on Fri Feb 01 2002 - 09:20:00 PST

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