An On-Orbit Dynamic Calibration Method for an MHD Micro-Angular Vibration Sensor Using a Laser Interferometer

Abstract

The magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) micro-angular vibration sensor is a significant component of the MHD Inertial Reference Unit (MIRU) and measures micro-amplitude and wide frequency angular vibration. The MHD micro-angular vibration sensor must be calibrated in orbit since the ground calibration parameters may change after lift-off. An on-orbit dynamic calibration method for the MHD micro-angular vibration sensor is proposed to calibrate the complex sensitivity of the sensor in high frequency. An absolute calibration method that combines a homodyne laser interferometer and an angular retroreflector was developed. The sinusoidal approximation method was applied, and the calibration system was established and tested using a manufactured MHD sensor. Furthermore, the measurement principle and installation errors were analyzed, including the eccentric installation error of the retroreflector, the tilt installation error of the retroreflector, and the optical path tilt error. This method can be realized within a rotation range of ± 3 ∘ and effectively avoid the installation error caused by mechanical errors. The results indicate that the calibratable angular vibration frequency range is 25–800 Hz, and the angular velocity range is 0 . 076 –7590 mrad/s. The expanded uncertainties of the sensitivity amplitude and phase shift of the calibration system for the MHD micro-angular sensor are 0 . 04 % and 1 . 2 ∘ ( k = 2 ) .