The Dynamical Characteristics of a Gyroscope With a Tuned Elastic Suspension

Abstract

This study investigates the dynamics of a gyroscope rotor, supported on a “heavy” elastic suspension, using a mathematical model which allows the gyroscope to be treated as a two-degree-of-freedom rigid body on a light suspension. The natural frequencies are functions of spin rate and it is shown that the lower natural frequency can be reduced to zero by appropriate selection of suspension parameters. In this condition the gyroscope is “tuned” and could provide a useful inertial reference. Some problems associated with predicting the tuning speed of a practical gyroscope are highlighted.