Gyroscopic Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
๐
gyroscopic
[หjaษชrษหskษpษชk ]
Definition
motion control
The term 'gyroscopic' refers to the principles or mechanisms relating to gyroscopes, which are devices used to measure or maintain orientation based on the principles of angular momentum. Gyroscopic systems are commonly employed in aviation, space exploration, and navigation technology to stabilize and control the movement of vehicles or objects. The functionality of gyroscopic devices is integral to the performance of certain machinery and transport vehicles, allowing for smoother and more precise adjustments during operation. In modern technology, gyroscopic sensors are increasingly used in smartphones and consumer electronics to enhance user experiences and provide navigational aids.
Synonyms
inertial, rotational, spinning.
Examples of usage
- The airplane's gyroscopic instruments ensured a smooth flight.
- He explained the gyroscopic effects on the spinning top.
- Gyroscopic stabilization is vital in drone technology.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Science
- Gyroscopic principles are fundamental in space exploration, helping spacecraft maintain orientation in the void of space.
- The famous Foucault pendulum demonstrates the Earth's rotation, showing gyroscopic effects through the pendulum's stability over time.
- In aviation, gyroscopes are used in instruments like artificial horizons to help pilots know their plane's orientation.
Technology
- Modern smartphones often include gyroscopes to improve navigation and motion-sensitivity in games.
- Drones use gyroscopic sensors to stabilize flight and enhance control, making it easier for aerial maneuvers.
- Self-balancing scooters use gyroscopic technology to keep upright when riding.
Pop Culture
- In films like 'Interstellar', gyroscopes play a crucial role in heavy sci-fi themes involving space travel and gravity manipulation.
- The spinning top in the movie 'Inception' serves as a visual symbol of maintaining reality, tied to gyroscopic stability.
- Many action video games feature vehicles that utilize gyroscopic mechanics for thrilling physics-based gameplay.
History
- The gyroscope was famously utilized by Charles Otto Jenkins in the late 19th century for navigation at sea.
- During World War II, gyroscopes improved the accuracy of bombsights and guided missiles, changing aerial combat.
- Galileo initially explored concepts similar to gyroscopes when studying motion and equilibrium.
Origin of 'gyroscopic'
Main points about word origin
- The word comes from the Greek words 'gyros', meaning 'turn' or 'circle', and 'skopein', meaning 'to look at' or 'to examine'.
- First recorded use dates back to the 19th century, specifically in relation to physics and mechanics.
- The concept of gyroscopic action was explored by early scientists, including Jean-Bernard-Lรฉon Foucault in the 1850s.
The word 'gyroscopic' originates from the Greek words 'gyros', meaning 'ring' or 'circle', and 'skopein', meaning 'to look' or 'to see'. The concept of gyroscopes was first introduced in the early 19th century, with the invention of the gyroscope itself attributed to French physicist Jean-Bernard-Lรฉon Foucault in 1852. The postulation led to various applications in navigation and aviation, especially during the technological advancements of the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The term gained popularity as gyroscopes began to be integrated into aircraft and ships for stabilization purposes. In the years that followed, the advent of modern electronics facilitated the incorporation of gyroscopic sensors into various consumer technologies, expanding the relevance and application of the term in daily life.