A gyroscope is a devise that can be used to maintain orientation
based on the principles of angular momentum. It is a mechanism by means
of which a rotor is journaled to spin around an axis.
Gyroscopic behavior is used in the racing car industry. This is because car
engines act just like big gyroscopes. This has its uses, for example in
the American Indy car racing some of the tracks are in a oval in shape. During
the race the cars go round the circuit in one direction only (the car only ever
turns in one direction e.g. left). Because of the of the gyroscopic forces from
the engine depending on whether the engine is spinning clock-wise or
anti-clockwise the cars nose will be forced up or down. Providing the engine
spins in the right direction it can help the car to stay on the track.
Wheels
on motorbikes act as gyroscopes and make the bike easier to balance
(stay up right) when moving. The angular momentum of the turning
bicycle wheels makes them act like gyroscopes to help stabilize the
bicycle. This gyroscopic action also helps to turn the bicycle.
