Resonator, Hemispherical Resonator GYRO

This is the resonator for a Hemispherical Resonator Gyro (HRG). An HRG senses acceleration by the change in phase of vibration of a cup-shaped resonator, similar to the way a wine-glass resonates when rubbed by a wet finger. The device is rugged and accurate, and it has replaced other models of mechanical gyroscopes on most deep-space missions, as well as in other applications.Northrop Grumman donated this to the Museum in 2011.