An Innovative Sensor for Inertial Attitude Measurement Using the Magnetohydrodynamic Principle

Darren R. Laughlin, Andrew Ardaman and Henry R. Sebesta

Abstract:	This paper reports the results of work performed during the past several years to devise new sensors for inertial angular motion measurement. The new sensing technol- ogy exploits the magnetohydrodynamic (MI-ID) principle. Relative motion between a magnetic field and a conduc- tive fluid produces an electric potential - the magnetohy- drodynamic effect. By innovative design of the MI-ID generator configuration, it has been possible to devise inertial angular rate sensors suitable for a broad range of applications. For example, devices have been developed which fulfill requirements for precision, ultra-low levels of vibration measurement required in orbiting spacecraft- based sensors for tracking and surveillance. At the other extreme, the angular motions of anthropomorphic devices (ATDs) or crash dummies can also be accurately mea- sured with MHD inertial rate sensors. Two patents have been awarded for the resulting MHD inertial rate sensor implementations. The focus of this paper is to provide a technical descrip tion of the MHD rate sensor technology and to present results from performance evaluations. Example attitude (angular position) measurement applications, both present and potential, will be emphasized for short duration, transient motions.
Published in:	Proceedings of the 1992 National Technical Meeting of The Institute of Navigation January 27 - 29, 1992 Catamaran Resort Hotel San Diego, CA
Pages:	269 - 299
Cite this article:	Laughlin, Darren R., Ardaman, Andrew, Sebesta, Henry R., "An Innovative Sensor for Inertial Attitude Measurement Using the Magnetohydrodynamic Principle," Proceedings of the 1992 National Technical Meeting of The Institute of Navigation, San Diego, CA, January 1992, pp. 269-299.
Full Paper:	ION Members/Non-Members: 1 Download Credit Sign In