Abstract
In this paper, the problems of two types of floated pendulum accelerometers formerly developed by the authors were first discussed. In one of the accelerometers the pendulum in a cylindrical float was supported with pivots and jewels of the output axis, and in the other accelerometer by means of magnetically centering technique. In order to solve the problems, a Flexure Hinged Pendulum Accelerometer (FHPA) was developed, in which a flat-shaped pendulum was supported with a pair of friction free flexure hinges.
This paper describes the principle of operation, goal accuracy, design of the main components (pendulum, pick-off, torquer, damper, and servo amplifier) and also the results of the performance tests. The selected performances and characteristics are as follows: resolution 6×10-7g, range ±30g, 1g linearity 2.8×10-5g, g2 error coefficient 1.9×10-5g/g2, short term null torque stability 3.3×10-6g, moment of inertia 7.0g-cm2, characteristic time of the pendulum 3.26×10-6sec.
