摘要 |
A magnetohydrodynamic angular rate sensor is described. A housing (30) supports first and second fluid proof masses in respective coaxial annular channels (11, 17 ), permitting rela- tive motion between the proof masses and the housing. First and second magne ts (12, 18) asso- ciated with each annular channel (11, 17) result in an electric potential being generated across each channel proportional to the relative circumferential velocity between t he proof masses and the housing. The annular channels ace connected together to form a continuou s pumped fluid circuit which introduces a radial flow velocity in each channel. At low rotational frequencies, a circumferential velocity component is induced in the proof masses due to Coriolis acceleration which results in a measurable electrical voltage across the annual channels. The low frequency response of the sensor is therefor extended to lower frequencies.
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