Question

A locomotive is propelled by a turbine whose axle is parallel to the axes of wheels. The turbine's rotation direction coincides with that of wheels. The moment of inertia of the turbine rotor relative to its own axis is equal to I = 240 kg• m². Find the additional force exerted by the gyroscopic forces on the rails when the locomotive moves along a circle of radius R = 250 m with velocity v = 50 km per hour. The gauge is equal to l= 1.5 m. The angular velocity of the turbine equals n = 1500 rpm.

Answer 1

As in the previous problem a couple 2πInv/R must come in play. This can be done if a force,2πInv/Rl acts on the rails in opposite directions in addition to the centrifugal and other forces. The force on the outer rail is increased and that on the inner rail decreased. The additional force in this case has the magnitude 1.4 kN.m.