Modeling and Implementation of Multi-Position Non-Continuous Rotation Gyroscope North Finder

Area of Science:

• Inertial Navigation Systems
• Geodesy and Geophysics
• Sensor Fusion and Calibration

Background:

• Global Positioning System (GPS) signals are unreliable in certain environments, necessitating alternative methods for accurate azimuth determination.
• Rate gyroscopes offer a potential solution for azimuth reference, but their precision is limited by various error sources.

Purpose of the Study:

• To propose and validate a multi-position non-continuous rotation scheme for high-precision gyroscope-based north finding.
• To develop a generalized mathematical model for analyzing azimuth measurement precision in gyroscope north finders.
• To identify and optimize key parameters influencing north finding accuracy.

Main Methods:

• Development of a generalized mathematical model accounting for gyro and shaft misalignments.
• Utilizing the Earth's rotation rate projection on the gyroscope's sensitive axis.
• Applying the theory of propagation of uncertainty to optimize north finding approaches.

Main Results:

• A high-precision azimuth reference is achievable using the proposed multi-position non-continuous rotation scheme.
• Optimized approaches include reducing gyro bias and random errors, increasing rotation points, and minimizing misalignment angles.
• Experimental setup achieved an azimuth uncertainty of 18 arcseconds.

Conclusions:

• The proposed systematic theory provides a framework for analyzing and implementing robust gyroscope north finder designs.
• This research guides academic researchers and industrial practitioners in developing high-precision north finding systems.
• The method offers a viable alternative for azimuth determination when GPS is unavailable.