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Abstract

An accelerometer useful over a very wide range of gravitational forces is described. The device is based on the use of an optical fiber having a free cantilevered end subject to movement due to inertial lag. A constant output light source is located at one end of the optical fiber and a multicell photoarray is placed adjacent the free end of the fiber so that movement of the fiber due to acceleration can be readily detected. The individual cells in the array are preferably masked so that the output is a function of the lateral displacement of the fiber. This gives a linear or other voltage output curve related to the magnitude and direction of fiber movement. A multiplexing circuit repetitively samples the output of each photocell in the array. The output is preferably digitized and can provide a direct input into a computer that will convert data on acceleration to associated position, velocity and force involved.

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First Claim