eLearning | Computer Based Training | Systems Simulation
Interactive Gyroscope > Apparent Wander
Apparent wander, as opposed to real wander, is the apparent movement of the spin axis. The cause of this apparent movement is the rotation of the Earth combined with gyroscope rigidity. Note that wander may also occur when a gyroscope is transported from one point on the Earth to another. This is referred to as transport wander.
Movement around the vertical axis (in the horizontal plane) away from its set position is referred to as apparent drift.
Movement around the horizontal axis (in the vertical plane) away from its set position is referred to as apparent topple.
This apparent rate of displacement is reduced if the distance to the North or South poles is reduced. In fact, when the gyroscope is located at either the North or South pole, the rotation of the Earth will cause no apparent wander.
The Interactive Gyroscope provides instructors with total control of the Earth's rotation, gyroscope location and gyrospcope alignment so that apparent wander can be observed and understood. With total freeplay control, instructors can create an almost infinite number of scenarios to demonstrate this effect.
In the example shown, we see a spinning gyrospcope positioned over the UK at 0700 hrs GMT.
The gyroscope is aligned to the local vertical (which we can see clearly from the inset image).
The next image shows the scenario 7 hours later, at 1600 hrs.
It is important to note that the gyroscope has not moved to a new location. It remains hovering above the UK.
However, we can see from the inset image that the gyroscope is no longer aligned to the local vertical. What we have observed is the effect of the Earth's rotation on a spinning gyroscope!
The Interactive Gyroscope inlcudes a fully interactive gyroscope and model of the Earth, enabling the clear demonstration the following gyroscopic principles and properties: