Dynamic characteristics of level and two-axis attitude detector using magnetic fluid

Abstract

Level and attitude detectors are required for the detection of level and angles, for instance, in controlling the attitude of underwater robots, to keep solar cell panels directed constantly toward the sun, and the parabola antenna constantly toward the manmade satellite in communication systems. The usual angle detector can detect angle in one axis only, but the detector described in this paper is able to detect the angles of orientation with the horizontal and the vertical planes with a single unit. In addition, the new detector uses levels, such as water levels, by itself. This detector has three tubes with the magnetic fluid placed inside and with three coils. Its structure is very simple, small, and robust. It is also a light unit. The output signals are sine waves. The static operating characteristics of this detector were shown previously. The dynamic characteristics are presented in this paper.