A Study of the Effect of Temperature on the Capacitance Characteristics of a Metal-μhemisphere Resonant Gyroscope.

Abstract

Metal-μhemispherical resonant gyros (M-μHRGs) are widely used in highly dynamic navigation systems in extreme environments due to their high accuracy and structural stability. However, the effect of temperature variations on the capacitance characteristics of M-μHRGs has not been fully investigated, which is crucial for optimizing the performance of the gyro. This study aims to systematically analyze the effect of temperature on the static and dynamic capacitances of M-μHRGs. In this study, an M-μHRG structure based on a 16-tooth metal oscillator is designed, and conducted simulation experiments using non-contact capacitance measurement method and COMSOL Multiphysics 6.2 finite element simulation software in the temperature range of 233.15 K to 343.15 K. The modeling analysis of the static capacitance takes into account the thermal expansion effect, and the results show that static capacitance remains stable across the measured temperature range, with minimal effect from temperature. The dynamic capacitance exhibits significant nonlinear variations under different temperature conditions, especially in the two end temperature intervals (below 273.15 K and above 313.15 K), where the capacitance values show local extremes and fluctuations. In order to capture this nonlinear behavior, the experimental data were smoothed and fitted using the LOESS method, revealing a complex trend of the capacitance variation with temperature. The results show that the M-μHRG has good capacitance stability in the mid-temperature range, but its dynamic performance is significantly affected at extreme temperatures. This study provides a theoretical reference for the optimal design of M-μHRGs in high- and low-temperature environments.