Update, status, and characteristics of the AMF2 stable platform

 
Poster PDF

Authors

Richard L. Coulter — Argonne National Laboratory
Timothy J. Martin — Argonne National Laboratory

Category

Infrastructure & Outreach

Description

AMF2's stable platform, developed to support the marine W-band ARM cloud radar (M-WACR) measurements, was placed into operation as part of the Marine ARM GPCI Investigation of Clouds (MAGIC) field campaign. The table (roll, pitch, and heave; RPH) is designed to compensate for the roll, pitch and vertical motion of the ship, in this case the Horizon Spirit. Control of the table is done either through a "straight" PID approach that requires no additional input beyond a tilt sensor mounted on the table or an "enhanced" PID approach that requires external input of the ship's roll and pitch. The response of the RPH table to either type of control was found to be very good so long as the feedback controls were appropriate. Initial results from the first seven voyages are presented, and suggestions for improved future operation are discussed.