Miniscale Modelling Of Gyroscopic Effect with Application to Sheep Steering.

Abstract

A gyroscope is a device for measuring or maintaining orientation, based on the principles of momentum. Mechanically, a gyroscope is a spinning wheel or disc in which the axle is free to assume any orientation. Although this orientation does not remain fixed, it changes in response to an external torque much less and in a different direction, than it would without the large angular momentum associated with the disc's high rate of spin and inertia. Ships or sea vessels require stabilization when they face heavy sea waves. A disturbing couple acts on the ships due to sea waves, hence stabilization of ship is necessary. Due to sea waves, ship will either roll or pitch. The amplitude of rolling is much higher than amplitude of pitching. The gyroscope can be used for reducing the amplitude of rolling and hence, stabilizing the ship. The fundamental requirement of gyroscopic stabilization is that, the gyroscopic must be made to precess by some external means (example: electric motor) in such a way that the relative gyroscopic couple exerted by the rotor should oppose any disturbing couple which may act on the ship. The gyroscope used in larger marine equipment is connected to PLC. PLC generates the signal and controls the movement of the ships. This paper presents development of various ship roll motion control system together with the challenges associated with their design. It discuss the assessment of performance, the applicability of difference modals, and the control methods that have been applied in the past. This also present outlook on what are believed to be potential area of research with in this topic.