Paper
22 May 2015 A novel class of MEMS accelerometers for guidance and control of gun-fired munitions
Author Affiliations +
Abstract
The state of art in shock resistant MEMS accelerometer design is to reduce the size of the proof-mass, thereby reducing the generated forces and moments due to shock loading. Physical stops are also provided to limit proof-mass motion to prevent damage to various moving components. The reduction of the proof-mass size reduces the sensor sensitivity. In addition, to increase the sensor dynamic response, proof-mass motion needs to be minimally damped, resulting in a significant sensor settling time after experiencing a high shock loading such as those experienced by gun-fired munitions during firing. The settling time is particularly important for accelerometers that are used in gun-fired munitions and mortars for navigation and guidance. This paper describes the development of a novel class of accelerometers that are provided with the means of locking the sensor proof-mass in its “null” position when subjected to acceleration levels above prescribed thresholds, thereby protecting the moving parts of the accelerometer. In munitions applications, the proof-mass is thereby locked in its null position during the firing and released during the flight to begin to measure flight acceleration with minimal settling time. Details of the design and operation of the developed sensors and results of their prototyping and testing are presented. The application of the developed technology to other types of inertial sensors and devices is discussed.
© (2015) COPYRIGHT Society of Photo-Optical Instrumentation Engineers (SPIE). Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Jahangir Rastegar, Dake Feng, and Carlos M. Pereira "A novel class of MEMS accelerometers for guidance and control of gun-fired munitions", Proc. SPIE 9467, Micro- and Nanotechnology Sensors, Systems, and Applications VII, 94672Y (22 May 2015); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2176876
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KEYWORDS
Sensors

Microelectromechanical systems

Gyroscopes

Capacitors

Prototyping

Actuators

Electronics

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