This is fundamental to the operation of all spinning mass gyroscopes, as it defines a direction in space that remains fixed. The establishment of a fixed direction enables rotation to be detected, by making reference to this fixed direction. The rotation of an inertial element generates an angular momentum vector which is coincident with the axis of spin of the rotor or ‘wheel’. It is the direction of this vector which remains fixed in space, given perfection in the construction of the gyroscope.
A practical reference instrument may be designed by having the rotor supported in a set of frames or gimbals which are free to rotate with respect to one another about orthogonal axes as shown below. The orientation of the case of the instrument with respect to the direction of the spin axis may be measured with angle pick-off devices mounted on the gimbals.
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