Results of dynamic testing of GP-B spherical gyroscopesLaboratory tests of the spherical electrostatically levitated cryogenically cooled coated gyroscope being developed for the Gravity Probe B (GP-B) spacecraft (Bardas et al., 1986) are reported. Spin speed and the dc components of the trapped magnetic field are measured with three orthogonal pickup loops attached to SQUID detectors as the levitated gyro is brought up to speed by an He gas jet. Data on the spin-vector time history, mass unbalance, higher rotor-shape harmonics, and spin-vector position are presented in extensive graphs and characterized in detail, and a mathematical model of the electrostatic suspension torques is derived. Prototype gyro 86-4 is found to have mass unbalance within the range required for the GP-B mission (to detect the geodetic and motional effects predicted by general relativity theory).
Document ID
19890065168
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Conference Paper
Authors
Keiser, G. M. (Stanford Univ. CA, United States)
Breakwell, J. V. (Stanford Univ. CA, United States)
Xiao, Y. (Stanford University CA, United States)
Feteih, S. (Stanford Univ. CA, United States)
Date Acquired
August 14, 2013
Publication Date
January 1, 1989
Subject Category
Instrumentation And Photography
Report/Patent Number
AIAA PAPER 89-3439
Meeting Information
Meeting: AIAA Guidance, Navigation and Control Conference