What is a gyro?

Gyro called rotating body (for example, a massive disk), which is set in a fairly rapid rotation around some axis of symmetry. Initial acquaintance with a gyroscope usually occurs in childhood when observing the famous toy - baby peg or yuloy.
Until the top is rotated rapidly, it can be kept stable on its axis and keep upright. He does not fall on a horizontal plane, despite the fact that the center of gravity is higher than the pivot. This is possible because of the conservation of angular momentum. In the case of deviation of the axis of a spinning top from a vertical direction by gravity axis in space describes a particular circular cone, so the axial tilt angle does not change. Such a rotation of the gyroscope is called a forced precession.
Precession watch very simple. You should start a top and wait until it starts to slow its rotation. The top point is beginning to fall and the spiral (divergent). This is called the precession of the axis.
Slight irregular motion of rotating rigid body, which makes the precession is called nutation. Such movement is somewhat reminiscent of "twitch" axis of rotation.
Consider some uses gyro.
Features gyroscope are widely used in helicopters to stabilize their balance. As a rule, the helicopter has a 2.3 gyroscope to stabilize the horizontal and the vertical. Ie different variations of the helicopter and vibration muffled by a gyroscope, which were caused by its powerful engines and propellers;
stabilization in the horizontal border speedboats. With the development of high-speed boats of big waves on the water surface run powerful gyroscope, which smooths out the pounding waves on the bottom of the boat.
gyroscopic instruments are of great use to automate the management of ships and aircraft. To support the set of a ship includes autopilot and the aircraft - the autopilot;
demanded gyroscopes in automotive safety and comfort, to control input and stabilize the camcorder. Gyroscopes are used to adjust the height and stability of the suspension.