In discus, it is important to obtain the fastest spin possible when
it is released from the thrower's hand. This allows for gyroscopic
action, which stabilizes the weighted discus during its flight by
resisting tilting or changing its spin axis. This spin on the discus
can be calculated by finding the angular velocity, w. Using the Rotational
Kinematic Equations, w can be found by
knowing the initial velocity and angle of release, which equations
can be found in the Linear Kinematics
page.
Rotational Kinematic
Equations:
*Image is for display purposes only
Using these, along with the known variables of initial velocity and
angle of release, we can find the change in time which solves for w as well.
Once angular velocity is found, the Kinetic Energy of the discus'
spin can be found by plugging in variables into the Rolling Kinetic Energy Equations:
(assume the moment of Inertia for a discus = moment of Inertia of a
disk)
Due to physics, the rotational
kinematic and energy equations can be used to determine the
gyroscopic action of the discus to optimize the flight path of
the discus.
