Douglas G.R., Mott G., Skinner D.D., Thompson J.H. Applied research on electro-magneto-strictive vibragyro

NASA Research Report 64- 969- 570- R1. 1964. 26 p.There is a definite need in space applications for a small, light weight, rugged, reliable, low powered, long -lived gyroscope to be used for the damping of oscillations in spatial reference control systems. A vibratory type of rate gyroscope is a promising candidate to meet these requirements.Westinghouse has designed a solid state vibragyro operating at ultrasonic frequency and having the above assets. The major problem remaining to be solved is the lowering of the threshold response, or minimum detectable rate signal level. This is now limited by crosstalk noise in the output circuit, which results in an inconsistent null signal.A one -year program of applied research leading to identification and reduction of the cross talk components, and thus an improvement in the signal- to- noise ratio, was undertaken for NASA at the beginning of 1963. During the course of this program changes in configuration of the gyro have increased the Q of both the input and output modes of vibration by a factor of 3, thus raising the signal level by a factor of
9. Changes have also benn made to reduce the crosstalk and improve
the signal-to- noise ratio. Additional improvements are in sight and recommended for a continuation of the program.