gyroscopic precession

[‚jī·rə′skäp·ik prē′sesh·ən]

(mechanics)

The turning of the axis of spin of a gyroscope as a result of an external torque acting on the gyroscope; the axis always turns toward the direction of the torque.

gyroscopic precession

A property of a gyroscope that causes it to react to an applied force as though it were applied at a point 90° in the direction of the rotation, from the actual point of application. This property is used in rate gyros to measure the rate of turn.

Mentioned in ?

Bloch equations

References in periodicals archive ?

As the taildragger's tail is raised--and its nose/propeller lowered--during the takeoff roll, gyroscopic precession occurs.

However, gyroscopic precession affects them (and taildraggers) at other times, like when abruptly raising or lower the nose while airborne.

About the vertical axis: it's much easier to compensate for yaw generated by ailerons and a nose-mounted engine if you understand what's going on and can anticipate it

This phenomenon, called gyroscopic precession, is the same force that causes a boomerang to fly in a circular path.

Flying farther than a Frisbee

Instead it tends to raise the inside wing (primarily through aerodynamic forces) and the nose (primarily from gyroscopic precession), resulting in increased yaw and a flatter spin.

The spin on spins: we're taught to avoid spins, and that's good, but lack of knowledge can be dangerous. Some things you may not know might save your life someday