gyroskopes

A gyroscope is a device used for measuring or maintaining orientation and angular velocity. It typically consists of a spinning wheel or disc whose axis of rotation is free to assume any orientation by itself. This principle is known as gyroscopic effect or gyroscopic inertia. When a spinning rotor is disturbed from its initial axis, it tends to resist the change in orientation.

The basic components of a simple gyroscope are a rotor, a gimbals system, and a frame. The rotor spins at high speed. The gimbals are a set of pivoted supports that allow the rotor to maintain its orientation independently of the motion of the supporting structure. The frame holds the entire assembly. The gyroscopic effect is most pronounced when the rotor is spinning rapidly.

Gyroscopes have numerous applications. They are used in navigation systems for aircraft, ships, and spacecraft, providing stable references for direction and attitude. They are also found in inertial navigation systems, which track a vehicle's position by measuring its acceleration and rotation. In consumer electronics, miniature gyroscopes are incorporated into smartphones, tablets, and game controllers to detect motion and orientation changes, enabling features like screen rotation and motion-controlled gaming. Other uses include stabilizing cameras, drones, and even some types of bicycles. The underlying principle relies on the conservation of angular momentum.