St. Lawrence University: Physics - Lecture/Demos: Whirling Blades

	Centrifigul Hoops, a.k.a "The Whirling Blades of Death"
Description:	Demonstrates that a sphere will flatten out as it rotates rapidly.
Notes:	Jeff uses this in Astronomy to demonstrate that a protostellar cloud will flatten out at as it rotates. The apparatus consists of two steel bands attached to a rotating shaft. The bands are firmly attached at the bottom of the shaft, but free to move at the top. Turn the crank handle to show a 'spherical' shape. Turn handle rapidly to show that the sphere flattens out (you'll have to really crank the handle hard for this). Also demonstrates why planets and stars are oblate spheroids.
Location:	LDR-G. Use a large bench clamp to attach to table. Make sure the screw on the coupling holding the blade apparatus to the shaft is finger tight (don't use pliers; you'll snap the screw off).
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