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Free Gyroscope
A free gyroscope consists of a rotor which is
attached to an axle and the rotor is free to
rotate about the axle
The rotor is set in a gimbal ring with the
axle of the rotor attached to the gimbal
ring.
This inner gimbal ring is attached to a
larger outer gimbal ring with the connection
being at 90 degrees to where the axle is
fixed to the inner gimbal so that the inner
gimbal can rotate in a vertical plane
The outer gimbal ring is attached to a yolk
which enables it rotate in a horizontal plane.
Free Gyroscope
A Free Gyroscope
is simply a rotor
on an axle which
is arranged in
gimbals which
will allow the
rotor axle to pint
in any direction
Free Gyroscope
Free Gyroscope
1. Gyroscopic Inertia
2. Gyroscopic Precession
Free Gyroscope
Gyroscopic Inertia:
This is a property common to all rotating
bodies. Basically if you rotate the gyro rotor at
very high speed then the axle will remain
pointing at a fixed point in space.
The amount of inertia a gyro has is dependant
on;
1. the mass of the rotor
2. the distribution of mass within the rotor
3. the speed of rotation of the rotor
Free Gyroscope
Free Gyroscope
NP
EQ
If we have a free gyro at the earths equator with its spin axis horizontal and lined
up N-S then it would be pointing at the North Celestial pole. As the earth rotates
on it own axis the NCP remains fixed in the sky , therefore the gyro axis will
appear to remain stationary
NCP
Free Gyroscope
Free Gyroscope
Free Gyroscope
Gyroscopic Precession
F
WEST
EAST
S
P
Consider a gyro rotating clockwise when viewed from the South end.
If a downwards force is applied to the S end then the S end of the spin
axis will precess to the West
Gyroscopic Precession
F
WEST
EAST
Gyroscopic Precession
Gyroscopic Precession
P
WEST
EAST
S
F
By the same reasoning if a horizontal force is applied, from the East, the
South end will precess downwards and correspondingly the North end
will precess upwards.