MHD sensor for measuring microradian angular rates and displacements
US6173611A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Apr 30, 1999 |
| Grant date | Jan 16, 2001 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Apr 30, 2019 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG01C19/58
- WIPO fieldMeasurement
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
An angular rate sensor which measures submicroradian angular displacements. An MHD sensor is provided having a cylindrical column of conductive fluid, centered about a measurement axis. The magnetic field for the device is generated from permanent magnets and a shunt structure which produces radial magnetic field components through the cylindrical conductive fluid channel. The first electrode contacts an upper end of the cylindrical conductive fluid channel, and a second electrode contacts a lower end of the cylindrical conductive fluid channel. Current produced as a result of an electrostatic potential generated in response to the rotation of the device, flows through a center electrode connecting the first and second electrodes. A transformer winding surrounding the center electrode produces an amplified rate signal from the current flowing between the first and second electrodes.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.