It was a potential problem in spacecraft such as Apollo
2006-09-21 02:04:34 · 3 answers · asked by Jojo the circus boy 2 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Engineering
Its a gimbal. A gimbal is a device that can rotate in all three directions (x, y, z) without much friction. It basically has three gyroscopes, one for each direction. Because of its properties, it will stay oriented in the initial direction that it is placed in. Because of this, it can be used for navigation by measuring the angle you are traveling relative to the initial direction the device was oriented in.
2006-09-21 02:12:02 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Gimbals refer to the joint connection of the rocket nozzles to the rest of the rocket motor. Think of it as a ball swivel. In this connection, you can allow for "x" amount of movement of this joint, usually described as a degree. The gimbals move to allow "steering" of the rocket.
Now that you have a brief understanding of gimbles, gimble lock happens when the control system calls for the nozzle to swivel past the allowable movement of the nozzle.
Example is you have an engine with 15 degrees of Gimble movement from dead center. If your controls call for a need of 20 degrees of gimble, you've reached gimble lock.
2006-09-21 07:05:09 · answer #2 · answered by Jeffrey S 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The rocket has several nozzles that are steerable ,and the gumball is the swivel and there is a danger that it will run into the physical limits and lock in that position THAT IS BAD
2006-09-21 02:38:55 · answer #3 · answered by JOHNNIE B 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋