Elementary general treatment of dynamics of rotation, with special application of gyroscopic phenomena. No knowledge of vectors needed. Velocity of a moving curve, acceleration to a point, general equations of motion, gyroscopic horizon, free gyro, motion of discs, the damped gyro, 103 similar topics.

Gyrodynamics and Its Engineering Applications deals with the engineering applications of gyrodynamics in a manner that stresses the physical concepts. Topics covered range from the kinematics of rigid bodies to frames of reference, along with moments and products of inertia. Gyro-verticals and the gyrodynamics of machines are also considered. Comprised of 16 chapters, this book begins with a historical background on gyroscopes and an introduction to vectors, the kinematics of a particle, and rotating systems. The emphasis is on certain fundamental ideas governing the movement of bodies in three dimensions. Motion with respect to moving axes is discussed in detail, with particular attention to the intangible Coriolis acceleration. Subsequent chapters focus on the inertial characteristics of bodies and certain dynamical theorems; the motion of a free body and of a symmetrical gyroscope under gravity; gyroscopic vibration absorbers and stabilizers; the gyro-compass; suspensions for gyroscopes; gyro-verticals; and rate and integrating gyroscopes. The book also discusses inertial navigation as well as the whirling of shafts and aircraft gyrodynamics. This monograph is intended primarily for engineers, but should also prove valuable to university teachers, research workers, and those who encounter gyroscopic problems.

This book highlights an analytical solution for the dynamics of axially symmetric rotating objects. It also presents the theory of gyroscopic effects, explaining their physics and using mathematical models of Euler’s form for the motion of movable spinning objects to demonstrate these effects. The major themes and approaches are represented by the spinning disc and the action of the system of interrelated inertial torques generated by the centrifugal, common inertial, Coriolis forces, as well as the change in their angular momentum. These torques constitute the fundamental principles of the mechanical gyroscope theory that can be used for any rotating objects, like rings, cones, spheres, paraboloids and propellers of different designs. Lastly, the mathematical models for the gyroscopic effects are validated by practical tests.

A description of the inertial technology used for guidance, control, and navigation, discussing in detail the principles, operation, and design of sensors, gyroscopes, and accelerometers, as well as the advantages and disadvantages of particular systems. An engineer with long practical experience in the field, the author elucidates such recent developments as fibre-optic gyroscopes, solid-state accelerometers, and the global positioning system. This will be of interest to researchers and practising engineers involved in systems engineering, aeronautics, space research, and navigation on both land and sea.