Dynamics of Precession of the Thompson Top

Abstract

In this article, the dynamics of precession of the Thompson top has been studied. Test benches have been developed and experiments have been carried out. Based on the data obtained, the dependences of the angular velocity of precession at high initial values of up to 340 rad/s are shown. Analytical studies have been carried out and the dependences of energy changes during precession have been obtained. The relation between the roughness coefficient and the resulting friction moment is obtained. The relations between the work of friction and the roughness coefficient, that gives an understanding of the dynamics of energy indicators during the entire process, are obtained. The question of the use of a viscous friction model remains open and as does a more detailed study of the proportionality coefficient to establish refined dependencies for precession. The experimental data obtained show the influence of the roughness coefficient on precession and on the occurrence of the friction force, leading to the capsizing of the top. Further research in this field should show the applicability of the viscous model and the study of critical points, namely the rise to the leg and the passage of the highest value of the moment of inertia.