PIRA Class: 1Q50.30
Purpose:
To demonstrate gyroscopic motion in a gyroscope free to rotate about two axes.
Description:
Start the gyroscope rotating by hand or by pressing the Cenco rotator against the rim of the gyroscope (the MITAC is missing a piece making its own plug irrelevant).
The balance is not perfect so the gyroscope will precess some with no added weight. The rate of precession can be altered by hanging ~50-100 grams from one of the notches on the axis.
Slowly tilt the base to see the gyroscope maintain its axis of rotation.
Give the rotation axis is quick tap to demonstrate nutation.
Equipment:
MITAC gyroscope, Cenco rotator, safety gloves
Location:
Shelf 141 (MITAC gyroscope), shelf 511 (Cenco rotator), shelf 264 (safety gloves)
Extras:
MITAC Instruction manual
Short video illustrating how gyroscope can be used for navigation
Short video from Caltech illustrating a similar device