Gyroscopic Motion - I

In the above figure, spinning wheel can precess about vertical and horizontal axes. If this is kept on the ship, the axis of spin will maintain a fixed direction irrespective of the orientation of the ship. Thus, the axis of spin can provide a good pointer to direction.

Another example of the effect of gyroscope couple is shown in the following figure.

In the above figure, the motor is mounted on a rotating plateform having some angular velocity. Disks are spinning. Bearing on which it is supported will experience the additional forces due to gyroscopic effect. This is expalined as follows.