The Gravity Probe B gyroscope

被引：16
作者：
Buchman, S. [1 ]
Lipa, J. A. [1 ]
Keiser, G. M. [1 ]
Muhlfelder, B. [1 ]
Turneaure, J. P. [1 ]
机构：
[1] WW Hansen Expt Phys Lab, Stanford, CA 94305 USA
来源：
CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM GRAVITY | 2015年 / 32卷 / 22期
关键词：
Gravity Probe B; general relativity; space; patch effect; cryogenic gyroscopes; gyroscope torque; electrically suspended gyroscopes; SATELLITE; SILICA; FIELDS; ROTOR;
D O I：
10.1088/0264-9381/32/22/224004
中图分类号：
P1 [天文学];
学科分类号：
0704 ;
摘要：
The Gravity Probe B (GP-B) gyroscope, a unique cryogenically operated mechanical sensor, was used on-orbit to independently test two predictions of general relativity (GR). Here, we describe the development and performance of the GP-B gyroscope, its geometry and fabrication, spin-up and vacuum approach, magnetic considerations, and static charge management. The history of electrically suspended gyroscopes puts the current work in context. Fabrication and ground testing of the GP-B gyroscope are detailed, followed by a review of on-orbit initialization, calibration, operation, and performance. We find that the performance was degraded relative to the mission goals, but was still sufficient to provide excellent new tests of GR. The degradation is partially due to the existence of gyroscope torques due to an unanticipated interaction between patch potentials on the rotor and the housing. We discuss these patch potentials and describe the effect of related torques on gyro drift. It was essential to include models for the effects due to the patch potentials in the complete data analysis model to yield determinations of the two GR effects.
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页数：31
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