Inventors:
John W. Farrell - Dallas TX
Jere L. Andrews - Huntsville AL
Assignee:
The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Army - Washington DC
International Classification:
G01D 534
Abstract:
Apparatus for measuring rocket motor thrust components and resolving small ector alignment errors. Apparatus includes a spherical air bearing which embodies gyrodynamic principles in order to provide three degrees of angular freedom and in order to achieve stiff, vibration free reactions against translational movement. Effects of thrust misalignment are seen as changes in angular rate which can be measured by encoding rotations of the floated rocket motor inner bearing assembly by use of built-in sensors and/or by motion with an external optical tracker.