Where we can find the gyroscope effect?

We have all tossed a spinning top or spun a coin on its edge, checking that it spins and spins while maintaining the balance all the time.

These two actions are a practical example of the gyroscopic effect and how it forms part of our daily life in a natural way.

For the gyroscopic effect to occur, there must be basically two elements:

  • A body or object that has rotation symmetry, such as a circular disc.
  • And an axis of symmetry, which could be a metal rod.

With these simple elements it is possible to simulate the gyrposcopic effect.



What or who produces the gyroscopic effect?

Basically, there are two properties:

  • On the one hand, gyroscopic inertia, also known as gyroscopic stiffness or stiffness in space.

If we remember Newton's laws, the first one refers to inertia and mentions that a body can only change its initial state if a force or series of forces, whose result is not null, are applied to it.

This, in the case of the gyroscope, means that it will always tend to maintain its rotational motion as long as there is no force to unbalance it. But even if it is unbalanced, the gyroscope will find a new state in which it will rotate at a different angle.

  • On the other hand, precession.

Effect is produced when you extend a force that tends to change the position of the rotation axis and yet the gyroscope is balanced again.



Gyroscope effect applications:

So far, we have explained the gyroscopic effect theoretically. Although it is possible to find many practical applications in everyday elements such as:

  • Navigation systems:

As many of you know, not all flight hours of an aircraft are performed by pilots. In fact, much of the flying is done by the autopilot. One of the key components of this autopilot is the gyroscope, which serves to stabilize the altitude and balance the aircraft continuously.

  • Smartphones and other smart devices:

The addition of the gyroscope to the mobile devices served to control the tilt and movement of our smartphones, making the user experience significantly improved.

  • Gyroscopic cameras:

The application of these cameras in action sports makes it possible to perceive the game in a very real way. In motorcycling, we can see how these cameras allow us to perceive in a very real way the inclination that the motorcycle acquires in its passage through the curve. Also, these systems have begun to be applied to the 360o cameras, greatly optimizing the user experience.



If you need to demostrate this effect in your classes, EDIBON provides you with special equipment so your students can understand clearly and accurately how the gyroscopic effect works: