What is the effect of increasing the RPM of a gyro?

Increasing the RPM (revolutions per minute) of a gyro enhances its rigidity, which is a critical characteristic for the performance of gyroscopes. Rigidity in this context refers to the gyro's ability to maintain its orientation relative to a stable reference point. As the RPM increases, the angular momentum of the gyro also increases. This larger angular momentum creates a greater resistance to changes in orientation, thereby improving the gyro's stability.

This principle is particularly important in applications such as navigation and stabilization systems, where maintaining a precise orientation is essential. Consequently, higher RPM translates to better performance in stabilizing or guiding a vehicle or platform, as the gyroscope can better resist any external forces attempting to alter its pitch, roll, or yaw.

Understanding the impact of RPM on a gyro highlights its efficiency and effectiveness in practical applications, particularly in aviation and spacecraft navigation.