Question

Assuming that a vehicle is taking a left turn, The gyroscopic couple acting on the vehicle has a tendency to _____ the inner wheels and ____ the outer wheels.

(a) Press, Lift

(b) Lift, Press

(c) Press, Press

(d) Lift, Lift

This question was addressed to me during an online interview.

This interesting question is from Stability of a Four Wheel drive Moving in a Curved Path topic in section Gyroscopic Couple and Precessional Motion of Machine Dynamics

Answer 1

Correct answer is (b) Lift, Press

To elaborate: While taking a left turn, a four wheel vehicle undergoes the action of a gyroscopic couple which has an effect on inner and outer wheels. This effect results in lifting of inner wheel and pressing of the outer wheel. This prevents the overturning of vehicle.