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Microfabricated Cylinder Rate Gyro for High "g" Applications

Award Information
Agency: Department of Defense
Branch: Air Force
Contract: N/A
Agency Tracking Number: 27915
Amount: $79,957.00
Phase: Phase I
Program: SBIR
Solicitation Topic Code: N/A
Solicitation Number: N/A
Timeline
Solicitation Year: N/A
Award Year: 1995
Award Start Date (Proposal Award Date): N/A
Award End Date (Contract End Date): N/A
Small Business Information
161 First Street
Cambridge, MA 02142
United States
DUNS: N/A
HUBZone Owned: No
Woman Owned: No
Socially and Economically Disadvantaged: No
Principal Investigator
 Richard P. Torti, Ph.d.
 (617) 349-0875
Business Contact
Phone: () -
Research Institution
N/A
Abstract

The Air Force requires "G hardened" miniature sensors for real time measurements during in-barrel and free-flight model testing. SatCon has identified and recently evaluated a microscopic version of a simple, robust, roll sensor geometry well suited for operation under extremelyhigh accelerations (tested to greater than 20,000 G in full size versions). The cylindrical resonator is electrostatically excited to produce a standing acoustic mode around its rim. Roll induce position shift of the nodal positions is sensed capacitively. The Phase I work will build upon SatCon's previous work but be tailored for the increased roll range and the high acceleration operation of hypervelocity Range G. These requirements combined with shorter response time will require operation at higher frequency and lower Q. Test structures compatible with the resulting mechanical and electronic design will be fabricated by the LIGA deep etch process with SatCon's subcontractor, LSU, and electronically driven for mechanical resonance excitation. The designs, test results, and test structures will be provided to the Air Force at the end of the project. For Phase II, prototype versions of theresonators will be fabricated from a fill set of masks and tested with drive and sensing electronics. At the end of the Phase II a set of operational roll sensors integrated with electronics will be delivered.

* Information listed above is at the time of submission. *

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