Mass properties factors in achieving stable imagery from a gimbal mounted camera
Daniel Otlowski, Kurt H. Wiener, Brandon Rathbun · Proceedings of SPIE, the International Society for Optical Engineering/Proceedings of SPIE · 2008
Mass properties play a role in affecting the stability of gimbaled imaging platforms. The relationship between static balance and jitter, in some measure, is previously established. The definition and role of dynamic unbalance however, is not as thoroughly understood. Leading to the discussion of dynamic unbalance, we show through the use of analytical means, the jitter resulting from static unbalance generated forces when we follow these forces through the isolation mounting, servo pointing accuracy and disturbance rejection systems using a single degree of freedom model. We then apply the qualitative results to the discussion of dynamic unbalance exploring some of the nuances of product of inertia and cross coupling response. We will offer strategies and specific methods for measuring and correcting static unbalances and the principles of reducing dynamic unbalance in gimbals in order to reduce disturbance response and ultimately improve the image resolution. Finally, we will test a method for measuring and correcting dynamic unbalance to facilitate future quantitative testing aimed toward jitter improvement.