2
votes
1answer
112 views

Angular momentum conservation while internal frictional torque is present

So this appears in a problem which looks simple enough in its context; It's something like this: Two discs, A and B, are mounted coaxially on a vertical axle. The discs have moments of inertia $I$ ...
4
votes
2answers
92 views

Thrust center in space

I have this dilemma: Suppose you have a space ship somewhere in deep space, where there is no drag force or substantial gravity. If the ship has a single engine situated in such a way that the center ...
1
vote
2answers
79 views

Ice skater increase of energy

This may be a very basic question but I am not seeing how it works. Consider the standard example of an ice skate rotating about his/her center of mass and pulling in his/her arms. The torque is zero ...
0
votes
1answer
86 views

Period of an Object in Periodic Motion

My attempt (if it matters): The initial period is given by $T_X = \frac{2\pi X}{v}$ for some $v$. The new period is given by $T_Y = \frac{2\pi Y}{v}$ for the same $v$. $Y = \frac{X}{2}$, so ...
3
votes
0answers
73 views

Videos of changing the orientation of an astronaut in space

Kane, Headrick and Yatteau describe in their paper "Experimental investigation of an astronaut maneuvering scheme" possible maneuvers to change the orientation in space without external torque. Is ...
2
votes
3answers
492 views

Why do some satellites fall to Earth?

In another question How does Newtonian mechanics explain why orbiting objects do not fall to the object they are orbiting?, one can read an affirmative answer. They how do you explain satellites ...