Doesn’t this article on flywheels leave out a significant aspect: the gyroscope effects of a rotating large mass? Wouldn’t it be a benefit for moving installations (stabilization) and a problem for immobile installations?
Lee Hukill Palo Alto, Calif.
In the article, the flywheels depicted appear to have vertical axles. I presume that this prevents inertial forces from being a problem when a vehicle using one of these systems changes direction. It would seem that such forces could be a real problem for a vehicle with a flywheel installed horizontally when it attempted to turn.
Perry F. Crabill Jr. Winchester, Va.
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