gyroscope
Navigation axis spinner
A gyroscope is a spinning wheel or disc mounted so it can rotate freely in any direction.
Once spinning, it resists changes to its orientation, maintaining a stable axis regardless of how its frame moves.
This property makes gyroscopes essential for navigation systems, aircraft instruments, and smartphone motion sensors.
The ship's gyroscope kept the compass steady through rough seas.
Spinning mechanical assembly
- gimbalPivoted rotational support
- bearingPosture or orientation
- flywheelRotational energy storage device
- pivotPoint of rotation
spindle · axle · housing · suspension · frame · spinning disc · inner ring · outer ring
Device measuring motion forces
- inclinometerDevice measuring slope angles
- compassDevice showing cardinal directions
- altimeterInstrument measuring elevation
- tachometerRotational speed indicator
clinometer · speedometer · sextant · attitude indicator · artificial horizon · gimbal · calibration · reference frame
Rotating axis gradually reorients
- angular momentumRotational motion quantity
- torqueRotational force measurement
- inertiaResistance to altered motion
- rotational motionMovement around a center
rigid body · moment of inertia · centripetal force · centrifugal force · conservation · dynamics · kinetics · mechanics
Rotating toy on point
- pedestalSupport for statuary
- tightrope walkCrossing a suspended cord
- desk toySmall office plaything
- educational toyPlaything promoting skill development
Position-tracking via estimated motion
- attitude controlRegulating rotational position
- headingDirectional course traveled
- orientationPosition relative to surroundings
- guidance systemDirection-maintaining technology
autopilot · flight control · waypoint · course correction · positioning · avionics · missile guidance
rotor
Spinning mechanical assembly
- gimbalPivoted rotational support
- bearingPosture or orientation
- flywheelRotational energy storage device
pivot · spindle · axle · housing · suspension · frame · spinning disc · inner ring · outer ring · cage
accelerometer
Device measuring motion forces
- inclinometerDevice measuring slope angles
- compassDevice showing cardinal directions
- altimeterInstrument measuring elevation
tachometer · clinometer · speedometer · sextant · attitude indicator · artificial horizon · gimbal · calibration · reference frame
precession
Rotating axis gradually reorients
- angular momentumRotational motion quantity
- torqueRotational force measurement
- inertiaResistance to altered motion
rotational motion · rigid body · moment of inertia · centripetal force · centrifugal force · conservation · dynamics · kinetics · mechanics · nutation
spinning top
Rotating toy on point
- pedestalSupport for statuary
- tightrope walkCrossing a suspended cord
- desk toySmall office plaything
dead reckoning
Position-tracking via estimated motion
- attitude controlRegulating rotational position
- headingDirectional course traveled
- orientationPosition relative to surroundings
guidance system · autopilot · flight control · waypoint · course correction · positioning · avionics · missile guidance
- marine navigationnautical charts, marine charts, buoys, compass, markers
- motion controlsmotion sensor, motion tracking, motion capture, gesture control, accelerometer
- Physics DemosNewton's cradle, pendulum, Van de Graaff, Tesla coil, inclined plane
- skill toysyo-yo, diabolo, kendama, juggling balls, juggling clubs
- cockpit instrumentsaltimeter, attitude indicator, tachometer, artificial horizon, magnetic compass
- flight navigationheading, waypoint, course, bearing, flight path
gyroscopecompass
Device showing cardinal directions
magnetic compass · weathervane · wind vane · plumb bob · accelerometer
- gyroscopic stabilityBalance from angular momentum