Spring 2021 Physics 510: Classical Mechanics Homework V

Zoltán Papp
April 23, 2021

1. The surface of a neutron star vibrates slowly, so that the principal moments of inertia are
harmonic functions of time:
2 2
Izz = mr (1 +  cos ωt)
5  
2 2 cos ωt
Ixx = Iyy = mr 1 −  ,  << 1.
5 2
The star simultaneously rotates with angular velocity Ω(t).

• Show that the z component of Ω remains nearly constant.

• Show that Ω(t) nutates about the z-axis and determine the nutation frequency for
Ωz >> ω.

2. A homogeneous circular disk (mass M , radius R) rotates with constant angular velocity ω
about body-fixed axis passing through the center. The axis is inclined by the angle α from
the surface normal and is pivoted at both sides of the disk center with spacing d. Determine
the forces acting on the pivots.

1
3. A thin disc of mass M and radius R is placed in the x − y plane. A point mass m = 5/4M
is attached to its edge. Find the moment of inertia tensor of the disc and the point mass
about point A. Also determine the principal moment of inertia and the principal axis about
point A.

4. Two equal masses are connected by a rigid rod of 2l. The system rotates with constant ω
about an axle fixed at the center at an angle θ. The rotational axis is the z axis and at
t = 0 the masses are in x − z plane. Determine the moment of inertia tensor and the angular
momentum in the lab frame.
5. A flywheel of mass m is suspended as shown and rotates with extreme high angular velocity
ω about its symmetry axis. The moment of inertia about the symmetry axis is I.

(a) Show that in the absence of gravitational field the angular momentum is conserved.
(b) Show that in the presence of gravitational field the θ, the angle with the direction of
the gravitational force, is constant.
(c) Determine the motion of the flywheel.