Damping Cylinders for Aircrart Gyroscopes

The operation of air-damping cylinders in restraining oscillation of a pendulum system is studied by experimental and analytical methods. On account of fundamental differences which are shown to exist between such cylinders and other damping devices the design of cylinders must follow certain dimensional requirements which are dictated by the dynamics of the whole oscillating system. These considerations determine the minimum size of cylinder which can be used in a given application and also the piston clearance which gives maximum damping effect.