Designing an Inexpensive Vibrating Beam Angular-Rate Sensor Using MEMS Technology

Northrop Grumman Electronic Systems, Navigation Systems Division Physics, 2003-04

Liaison(s): Robert Stewart, Ken Marino
Advisor(s): Peter Saeta
Students(s): Hubert Nguyen (PM), Brendan Haberle, Mary Peter

The detection of angular motion has immediate applications to guidance and stabilization, and is itself a critical step in controlling such motion. Northrop Grumman Corporation is interested in developing an angular rate sensor through MEMS technology, a method that will greatly reduce costs while allowing the devices to be used in applications previously subject to budget, size, or technology constraints. Our Clinic team, as a continuation of the 2002/03 Clinic project, has designed and characterized the performance of a vibrating beam angular rate sensor which takes advantage of piezoelectric materials as driving and sensing mechanisms.