Data_Sheet_1_Precession Intuitively Explained.PDF

Formal explanations of the dynamics of free and heavy tops are considered to be known for centuries. However, intuitive understanding of their unexpected behavior is still a challenge. In this paper, we present elementary force based explanations of precession of heavy symmetric tops, derived in inertial and non-inertial reference frames. Simple calculations are enabled by a model equivalent to a spinning top, namely a square-formed tube carrying a streaming ideal fluid or a frictionless chain. Precession in a combined, gravitational and magnetic field is also discussed.