In this paper, the perspectives of using the features of acoustic wave propagation to design rotation rate sensors (RRS) are discussed. The possibility of developing the solid-state sensitive elements (SE) of RRS on acoustic waves of circular polarization is shown. The theoretical basis of bulk acoustic wave propagation under rotation is given. The direct excitation of circularly polarized acoustic wave (CPAW) is considered, the design of the CPAW emitting transducer is offered. The results of experimental studies that indicated the circular nature of the particle motions in the radiated wave are discussed. The principally new concept of the RRS SE design on CPAW, being able to operate under high vibration and acceleration, is proposed. The experimental results revealed a high correlation with theoretical and numerical predictions and confirmed RRS on CPAW operability.

The present paper discusses the scientific and technical problem of optimizing the design and characteristics of a new type of solid-state sensors for motion parameters on bulk acoustic waves in order to increase the signal-to-noise ratio and the detectability of an informative signal against the background of its own noise and interference. Criteria for choosing materials for structural elements, including piezoelectric transducers of the sensitive element, were identified; a corresponding numerical simulation was performed using the developed program; and experimental studies according to the suggested method were carried out to validate the obtained analytical and calculated positions. The experimental results revealed the correctness of the chosen criteria for the optimization of design parameters and characteristics, demonstrated the high correlation between the results of modeling and field studies, and, thus, confirmed the prospects of using this new type of solid-state acoustic sensors of motion parameters in the navigation and control systems of highly dynamic objects.

The paper discusses the principles of the occurrence of inherent noise of the sensitive element of the angular velocity sensor, the calculation of these noises and methods of their reduction. The principle of operation of the sensing element of the angular velocity sensor on bulk acoustic waves, which consists in detecting the rotation of the polarization vector of the emitted linearly polarized shear wave, is presented in the work. The results of calculations of the noise level for various materials and sizes of plate piezoelectric transducers and acoustic duct are presented in the work. It is shown that a sensitive element with plate piezoelectric transducers made of langasite and an acoustic duct made of glass, a heavy flint, has a minimum noise level. It is shown that with an increase in the operating frequency of a plate piezoelectric transducer, the noise level decreases. A program for calculating the noise characteristics of solid-state angular velocity sensors based on bulk acoustic waves has been developed. The element base of the receiving amplifier of the device has been selected. Recommendations for reducing the level of noise are formulated, such as: increasing the operating frequency and reducing the bandwidth of plate piezoelectric transducers, as well as the choice of optimal materials for both piezoelectric transducers and acoustic duсt.

The change in characteristics of ultrasonic waves’ transmittion in solid rotating media is the basis for the operation of acoustic angular velocity sensor. The transmission coefficient of the sensing element (SE) of the acoustic path deter-mines the level of angular velocity sensor informative signal based on detecting changes in characteristics of bulk acoustic waves in solid media. In this regard, the efforts aimed at obtaining maximum transmission coefficient are relevant and represent an important stage in the design of such devices. The sensitive element of the acoustic path consists of radiating and receiving plate piezoelectric transducers, propagation medium (acoustic duct), contact layers and electrical load. The coefficient is identical to the path of ultrasonic delay lines on bulk acoustic waves. Although, many sources present the theoretical analysis of the path of this type, they carry out the analysis in so-called one-dimensional approximation, i.e. they perform the analysis without taking into account the limited transverse dimensions, whereas the path of the sensing element should have limited lateral dimensions, which can affect the value of transmission coefficient. The above-mentioned sources do not present the results of experiments. Thus, it is necessary to conduct a complex of simulation and experiments to analyze the acoustic path transmission coefficient of the angular velocity sensor. Authors of the paper developed a pathmodeling program in Mathcad software to perform simulation. For implementation of the experiment, authors created the installation, as well as a number of proto-types with transducers made of piezoelectric quartz and piezoelectric ceramics. The results demonstrate that fundamental statements developed for one-dimensional approximation one can use to determine the transmission coefficient of the acoustic path with limited dimensions. Besides, the use of the matched electrical load gives the opportunity to increase the transmission coefficient. For example, in case of Y-cut piezoelectric quartz converter prototype the increase reached 20 dB.

This paper presents a new type of ultrasonic gyroscopic sensor based on a solid-state standing-wave vibrator, which is promising for shock-resistant applications. A theoretical model of the proposed design, which is a layered structure, and the numerical simulation of its frequency response using the developed software are presented. A test sample of the novel sensing element was made and experimental studies of its frequency response were conducted. The results showed a high correlation between the resonant frequencies both for the real sample research and numerical modeling; thus, the validity of the theoretical model was confirmed. The laboratory investigation of the developed sensing element on a test bench under rotating conditions was carried out and a shift in the standing-wave amplitude proportional to the angular velocity of rotation was revealed; thus, an informative signal for this type of gyroscopic sensor was found. It is shown that the amplitude of the output signal of the new sensor on standing waves compares favorably with the signal levels reported for similar traveling-wave solutions in previous studies. The optimization strategies for the new sensor’s design and operating mode to increase signal to noise ratio are also identified. Thus, the potential of using the developed solid-state standing-wave vibrator as a shock-resistant ultrasonic gyroscopic sensor is supported.