Fessel-type gyroscope
Date: 1920-1940
Inventory Number: 2006-1-0067
Classification: Gyroscope
Subject:
Maker: American ?
Cultural Region:
Dimensions:
30 × 23 × 11.8 cm (11 13/16 × 9 1/16 × 4 5/8 in.)
Description:
A flywheel is set inside a ring or gimbal and rotates freely. The arm attached to the gyroscope extends further than the pivot point. A sliding counterweight (missing) would have fit on the arm. A base supports the whole instrument.
The base is marked "ME4" and "M" in white paint.
The base is marked "ME4" and "M" in white paint.
Signedunsigned
FunctionThis type of gyroscope is usually named Plücker (or Fessel's) apparatus. It is chiefly aimed at demonstrating the force and precession in a gyroscope. The counterweight (missing here), when the gyroscope spins, maintains it in the horizontal position.
For more on the gyroscope in general, see the following website.
More examples of this type of gyroscope is found here.
For more on the gyroscope in general, see the following website.
More examples of this type of gyroscope is found here.