A2.2 B2.1

Principles of Dynamics
Part II, 2001

(i) An axially symmetric top rotates freely about a fixed point OO on its axis. The principal moments of inertia are A,A,CA, A, C and the centre of gravity GG is a distance hh from O.O .

Define the three Euler angles θ,ϕ\theta, \phi and ψ\psi, specifying the orientation of the top. Use Lagrange's equations to show that there are three conserved quantities in the motion. Interpret them physically.

(ii) Initially the top is spinning with angular speed nn about OGO G, with OGO G vertical, before it is slightly disturbed.

Show that, in the subsequent motion, θ\theta stays close to zero if C2n2>4mghAC^{2} n^{2}>4 m g h A, but if this condition fails then θ\theta attains a maximum value given approximately by

cosθC2n22mghA1\cos \theta \approx \frac{C^{2} n^{2}}{2 m g h A}-1

Why is this only an approximation?