Differential-capacitance instrument for measurements of inertial and gravitational forces and torques: Parametric design (Part 2)

The theoretical dynamics modeling and design of an electrostatic sensor measuring noncontact harmonic forces and torques, both inertial and gravitation are described. The sensor combines both the electrostatic sensor and electrostatic actuator. The linear differential and algebraic equations were derived in part 1 and the sensor’s behaviors at harmonic, transient and resonance processes are investigated. The external and internal types of energy dissipation and their influences on dynamic behaviors as well as the sensor’s thermal noise are investigated. The numerical calculations of the sensor’s parameters as a resonant gravity gradiometer gauge are described.