Mass Measurement Using the Self-Excited Vibration of a Relay Control System

Mass Measurement under Weightless Conditions by Relay Feedback Systems

“…Not only measurement accuracy but also weight reduction should be considered for actual operation in space. Mizuno et al (2002) has proposed to apply relay feedback to mass measurement under weightless conditions for achieving measurement with a simple mechanism. Two types of measurement systems are possible (Mizuno 2002 andMizuno et al 2005).…”

“…Mizuno et al (2002) has proposed to apply relay feedback to mass measurement under weightless conditions for achieving measurement with a simple mechanism. Two types of measurement systems are possible (Mizuno 2002 andMizuno et al 2005). One of them contains an on-off relay with hysteresis and switches force acting on the object in relation to the velocity of the object (velocity-feedback type); the mass of the object is determined from the period of the oscillation.…”

“…The principle measurement, a fabricated experimental apparatus and several measurement results of each system are presented. Figure 1a shows a physical model for studying the principles of mass measurement, and Fig.1b shows the block diagram of the control system of velocity-feedback type (Mizuno et al, 2002). It is made up of four elements:…”