On the rotational motion of a gyrostat about a fixed point with mass distribution

Abstract

The perturbed rotational motion of a gyrostat about a fixed point with mass distribution near to Lagrange’s case is investigated. The gyrostat is subjected under the influence of a variable restoring moment vector, a perturbing moment vector, and a third component of a gyrostatic moment vector. It is assumed that the angular velocity of the gyrostat is sufficiently large, its direction is close to the axis of dynamic symmetry, and the perturbing moments are small as compared to the restoring ones. These assumptions permit us to introduce a small parameter. Averaged systems of the equations of motion in the first and second approximations are obtained. Also, the evolution of the precession angle up to the second approximation is determined. The graphical representations of the nutation and precession angles are presented to describe the motion at any time.