I am seeking the name of an object I have seen described elsewhere. It
is a cylinder with end(s) shaped so that it will assume a vertical
position and always return to the vertical position if displaced. I do
not need a detailed description, just the name so I can look up the
detail for myself. |
Request for Question Clarification by
tutuzdad-ga
on
22 Dec 2004 06:54 PST
Is it a gyroscope?
HOW STUFF WORKS
http://www.howstuffworks.com/gyroscope.htm
tutuzdad-ga
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Request for Question Clarification by
hedgie-ga
on
22 Dec 2004 07:47 PST
thike
I doubt is has a single word name.
Object like is being sold as a toy, shaped as a doll, which rights iteself.
May be toy stores have a name for it.
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Request for Question Clarification by
cynthia-ga
on
22 Dec 2004 08:40 PST
Hi thike,
How about this?
..."The Russian doll is a version of the toy that cannot be knocked
down. No matter what happens, it always rights itself..."
http://www.moma.org/onlineprojects/internyet/novo18.html
~~Cynthia
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Clarification of Question by
thike-ga
on
22 Dec 2004 21:12 PST
The question relates to a technical/scientific definition of a solid
object which has no moving parts, and relies on the geometric shape of
the object to remain stable in the vertical position. It would have a
name such as "Hicks' ballistic balance" or the "Otswald viscometer". I
saw the description in a journal such as 'Scientific American' or
'Popular Mechanics'.
Toys might use the principle or they might not. They might use an
entirely different principle such as a weight placed at a strategic
location inside the toy.
I hope this helps.
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Request for Question Clarification by
hedgie-ga
on
23 Dec 2004 20:56 PST
So,
are you seeking a name or conditions for this behaviour?
Behaviour is due to combination of
".. the geometric shape of
the object to remain stable in the vertical position..."
and
".. a weight placed at a strategic
location inside the toy.... "
and is well understood. As this toy has no particular function in
the scentific enterprise, it has no commonly used technical name.'
Weeble' is
probably the best you will find. As Neil0's comment says, it can never
be an exact cylinder. The oval shape of the bottom and low center of
mass is the essential (and only) trick.
Do you want the comments summarised and description of the principles expanded?
You can also expire the question - as it was answered in RFCs and comments.
You may expire the question, or ask for a summary of comments and
operating principles.
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Clarification of Question by
thike-ga
on
27 Dec 2004 20:17 PST
This is an answer to the clarification request by hedgie-ga on 23 Dec
2004 20:56 PST.
It is the name I am seeking. The object was illustrated and described
in a scientific publication. The object had been discovered or devised
by an individual whose name had been associated with the object. This
is my best recollection of an event which took place possibly 20 +/-
years ago.
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