AN ANGULAR VELOCIMETER FOR AEROSPACE APPLICATIONS

Abstract

Low-level broad-band angular vibration measurement applications are continually developing. This has generated a pressing need for a low-level angular vibration sensor capable of measuring micro-radians at frequencies from 0 to 10kHz, with a total size of the sensor on the order of a cubic centimeter. The device described in this paper has potential for satisfying such a need. Only three design parameters are required to address the minimum sensitivity level, and alternate designs with dynamic ranges and durability similar to piezoelectric accelerometers could be developed capable of measuring angles down to 10^-6 radians. Since the device is based on measuring accelerations using piezoelectric crystals, linearity, dynamic range, hysteresis, and stability qualifications, as well as cost of production are anticipated on the order of conventional piezoelectric accelerometers.