Inertial Navigational Instruments

Inertial Navigational Instruments

Inertial navigational instruments are devices that use the principles of inertia to determine the position, orientation, and velocity of a moving object. These instruments are commonly used in aircraft, spacecraft, and submarines, where other forms of navigation, such as GPS, may not be available or reliable. The basic principle behind inertial navigation is that an object at rest will remain at rest, and an object in motion will remain in motion at a constant speed and direction, unless acted upon by an external force. Inertial navigational instruments typically consist of a set of accelerometers and gyroscopes that measure changes in velocity and orientation, respectively. The accelerometers measure changes in the object's velocity, while the gyroscopes measure changes in its orientation. By integrating these measurements over time, the instrument can calculate the object's position, velocity, and orientation relative to its starting point. One advantage of inertial navigation is that it does not rely on external signals or references, which makes it more reliable in situations where GPS or other forms of navigation may be unavailable or unreliable. However, inertial navigational instruments are subject to errors that accumulate over time, known as drift. To correct for drift, the instrument must periodically be recalibrated using external references, such as landmarks or GPS signals. In summary, inertial navigational instruments are devices that use the principles of inertia to determine the position, orientation, and velocity of a moving object. They are commonly used in aircraft, spacecraft, and submarines, and are particularly useful in situations where other forms of navigation may be unavailable or unreliable.

Inertia, Accelerometers, Gyroscopes, Drift, Calibration

— Paul Davis

CITATION : "Paul Davis. 'Inertial Navigational Instruments.' Design+Encyclopedia. https://design-encyclopedia.com/?E=354940 (Accessed on April 23, 2025)"