kulmanopeusmittausjärjestelmien

Kulmanopeusmittari (angular velocity meter) is an instrument that measures the rate of rotation around one or more axes. It is commonly referred to as a gyroscope or angular-rate sensor. The data produced is typically given in radians per second (rad/s) or degrees per second (°/s) and is used to determine orientation and motion.

Principle: Traditional mechanical gyroscopes rely on a spinning rotor whose angular momentum resists changes in orientation. Modern devices use the Coriolis effect in microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) or the Sagnac effect in optical ring resonators, such as ring laser and fiber optic gyroscopes, to infer angular velocity from a measurable signal.

Types: Mechanical gyroscopes are largely historical; MEMS gyroscopes are small and inexpensive and common in smartphones and drones. Optical gyroscopes—ring laser gyroscopes (RLG) and fiber optic gyroscopes (FOG)—provide higher stability and reliability for aerospace and navigation.

Applications: Kulmanopeusmittare form the angular-rate input to inertial measurement units (IMUs) used in aircraft, ships, missiles, and spacecraft, as well as in stabilization systems for cameras, ships, and gimbaled sensors. They are also used in consumer electronics, robotics, and virtual reality controllers.

Performance and limitations: Measurements can drift over time (bias), have scale-factor errors, and be sensitive to temperature and vibrations. Calibration, error modeling, and sensor fusion with accelerometers (in IMUs) are typical methods to improve accuracy.

History: The concept dates to the 19th century with spinning rotors used to demonstrate angular momentum. Developments in gyroscopic technology progressed through aviation and space navigation, with MEMS and optical gyroscopes enabling modern compact sensors.