Difference between revisions of "Gyro"
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==Balance== | ==Balance== | ||
| − | The gyro | + | The gyro helps establish center-of-mass equilibrium for the BattleMech in a variety of environments. In normal or high gravity, at least one full set of accelerometers is used. Since accelerometers experience little acceleration in low-G environments, gyros should also possess a traditional gyroscope for direction sense, as piloting in zero-G is not inherently more difficult than in normal or high gravity (see '''Note''').<ref>''Total Warfare'', pp. 59-61</ref><ref>''Tactical Operations'', pp. 23-24</ref><ref>''Strategic Operations'', pp. 119-120</ref><ref>[[w:gyroscope|gyroscope]]</ref> Neither accelerometers nor rudimentary gyroscopes require extensive space or mass within the BattleMech.<ref name=TM34>''TechManual'', pp.34-35</ref> |
| − | However, gyroscopic orientation-sensing and accelerometer feedback is | + | However, gyroscopic orientation-sensing and accelerometer feedback is insufficient to maintain control of the 'Mech. Accelerometers and gyroscopes can not distinguish between intentional and hazardous changes in acceleration or direction, for instance the jerk felt when accelerating from standing to running or the sudden change of mass due to a lost limb, respectively. To distinguish between intent and peril, the MechWarrior's own equilibrium is monitored by a [[Neurohelmet]] connected to the gyro's computer. If both the MechWarrior's equilibrium and the balance-sensing mechanisms of the BattleMech agree, the gyro attempts to stabilize the machine.<ref name=TM34/> |
==Angular Acceleration== | ==Angular Acceleration== | ||
| − | The BattleMech gyro is able to assist with correcting falls through interactions with massive, rotating wheels, likened to "reaction wheels". Multiple wheels spin continuously within the active 'Mech, with 1 or more stabilizing | + | The BattleMech gyro is able to assist with correcting falls through interactions with massive, rotating wheels, likened to "reaction wheels". Multiple wheels spin continuously within the active 'Mech, with 1 or more stabilizing each axis, x, y, or z. In the event both the gyro and the pilot's neurohelmet interface detect an imbalance, the gyro will attempt to correct the imbalance by gripping one or more wheels, feeding off their immense angular momentum by pulling or pushing against their spin. The resulting torque is often sufficient to stabilize the 'Mech.<ref name=TM34/> |
| − | + | However, utilizing angular momentum in this fashion is inherently fraught. In order to counteract undesired gyroscopic effects and allow the 'Mech to operate normally, the constant motion of the gyro's "reaction wheels" requires the gyro is constructed in one of two ways. Gyros can be housed in a freely moving concentric spheres. The sphere(s) itself is immobilized only in moments of imbalance. Alternatively, each axis can be stabilized by multiple wheels spinning in opposite directions. If the net angular momentum about each axis equals 0, the 'Mech will be able to move properly.<ref name=TM34/> | |
| − | While | + | While the wheels within the gyro have been likened to [[w:Reaction_wheel|Reaction wheels]], this analogy is false. Traditional reaction wheels are set in motion in order to fix an orientation on an axis by [[w:Conservation_of_angular_momentum|conservation of angular momentum]]. In contrast, torquing against the "reaction wheels" in a gyro restore equilibrium for the 'Mech and pilot by adding [[w:Angular_acceleration|angular acceleration]]. |
==Note== | ==Note== | ||
Revision as of 13:51, 26 November 2013
The Gyro is an internal component of all BattleMechs, IndustrialMechs and OmniMechs. The gyro is required to help establish balance and, in times of imbalance, prevent the 'Mech from falling.
Balance
The gyro helps establish center-of-mass equilibrium for the BattleMech in a variety of environments. In normal or high gravity, at least one full set of accelerometers is used. Since accelerometers experience little acceleration in low-G environments, gyros should also possess a traditional gyroscope for direction sense, as piloting in zero-G is not inherently more difficult than in normal or high gravity (see Note).[1][2][3][4] Neither accelerometers nor rudimentary gyroscopes require extensive space or mass within the BattleMech.[5]
However, gyroscopic orientation-sensing and accelerometer feedback is insufficient to maintain control of the 'Mech. Accelerometers and gyroscopes can not distinguish between intentional and hazardous changes in acceleration or direction, for instance the jerk felt when accelerating from standing to running or the sudden change of mass due to a lost limb, respectively. To distinguish between intent and peril, the MechWarrior's own equilibrium is monitored by a Neurohelmet connected to the gyro's computer. If both the MechWarrior's equilibrium and the balance-sensing mechanisms of the BattleMech agree, the gyro attempts to stabilize the machine.[5]
Angular Acceleration
The BattleMech gyro is able to assist with correcting falls through interactions with massive, rotating wheels, likened to "reaction wheels". Multiple wheels spin continuously within the active 'Mech, with 1 or more stabilizing each axis, x, y, or z. In the event both the gyro and the pilot's neurohelmet interface detect an imbalance, the gyro will attempt to correct the imbalance by gripping one or more wheels, feeding off their immense angular momentum by pulling or pushing against their spin. The resulting torque is often sufficient to stabilize the 'Mech.[5]
However, utilizing angular momentum in this fashion is inherently fraught. In order to counteract undesired gyroscopic effects and allow the 'Mech to operate normally, the constant motion of the gyro's "reaction wheels" requires the gyro is constructed in one of two ways. Gyros can be housed in a freely moving concentric spheres. The sphere(s) itself is immobilized only in moments of imbalance. Alternatively, each axis can be stabilized by multiple wheels spinning in opposite directions. If the net angular momentum about each axis equals 0, the 'Mech will be able to move properly.[5]
While the wheels within the gyro have been likened to Reaction wheels, this analogy is false. Traditional reaction wheels are set in motion in order to fix an orientation on an axis by conservation of angular momentum. In contrast, torquing against the "reaction wheels" in a gyro restore equilibrium for the 'Mech and pilot by adding angular acceleration.
Note
While low-Gravity environments can alter ballistic trajectories, there is no mention of low-G or zero-G impairing 'Mech operation in Total Warfare, Tactical Operations, or Strategic Operations.
References
Bibliography
- TechManual, pp. 34-35