Analysis and Simulation of Flight Effects on an Airborne Magnetic Gradient Tensor Measurement System

A magnetic tensor gradiometer is used to measure the spatial derivatives of three orthogonal magnetic field components. Being relatively insensitive to the geomagnetic field affords it the capability of being loaded onto flying platforms to conduct an airborne geophysical survey. It is especially suitable for exploring shallow buried mines and moving magnetic targets. The aerodynamic model was provided by the open source flight simulator, FlightGear. Estimations of the magnetic gradient tensor model of the magnetic dipole, the magnetic interference model of the aircraft, and the error model of the measuring device were all used to investigate the effects of flight on the airborne magnetic gradient tensor measurement system (AMGTMS). A thorough analysis of its causes, such as the vibration of the aircraft, the different rotating sequences of the coordinate system, and the reasonable sequence of data processing, was also done. The results can be applied to the guide design, integration, calibration, and data processing of the AMGTMS, thus reducing the research and development risk.