Tutorial 10 (1 Nov.

2022)
[Note: In typed text I will denote a tensor as 𝖠 rather than A . You have to use A in written answers. Please
strictly follow the notation and methodology of the class.]

(1) The velocity vector v of a rocket, moving through the

earth’s atmosphere, makes an angle θ with respect to
its symmetry axis as shown. The net aerodynamic
drag acts parallel to v but in opposite direction such
that its line of action cuts the symmetry axis at C,
slightly away from G, as shown. The moment of
inertia of the rocket about its symmetry axis is I and
that through G and perpendicular to the plane of the
paper is I0. How much spin p about the symmetry axis
should bė provided to stabilize the rocket such that
·
θ = 0?

(2) Two circular discs, each of mass m1, are connected

through an inclined rod such that the discs have the
common z-axis, and the rod cuts this common axis
at G, as shown. Mass of the rod is m 2. Initially, the
assembly is at rest when a torque M is applied to a
disc which results in the acceleration of a of the
centres of the discs, as shown. The discs are
separated by a distance b and have radii r .
Determine the ground reactions on the discs at the
instant when M is applied. At this instant, the
inclined rod lies in x z-plane.

(3) In class we solved for the motion of a symmetric rigid body (I1 = I2 ≠ I3) in space. Please discuss the
case of a spacecraft (I1 = I2 < I3) and of a rocket (I1 = I2 > I3) pointing out when the notions of
retrograde and prograde motions. The relevant video lecture is uploaded on mooKIT.

(4) Discuss how to solve for the motion of a nutating top, i.e. one in which θ (t) is not assumed to be a
constant. The video lecture is again available on mooKIT.