Abstract
This PhD thesis deals with both study and fabrication of micro-sensors dedicated to the measurement of angular velocity, these devices are based on heat exchanges. Two types of gyroscopes have been developed, one using a jet of gas being deflected by the rotation, the other one using thermal expansion of a gas. Under rotation, heat transfers in a locally heated fluid is modified by the Coriolis force and induces a change in temperature distribution. Using a fluid as seismic mass enhances performances in terms shock (> 10 000g) and vibration resistances compared with standard mechanical gyroscopes.The aim of this work has been to study, develop and characterize these two gyroscopes. For this purpose, numerical studies have been carried out in order to improve our understanding of physical and thermal phenomena involved in the device. Effects of thermo-physical parameters, sensor size and gas flow velocity on both sensitivity and measuring range were analyzed.On the other hand, prototypes of both gyroscopes were manufactured and characterized. The proof of concept has been validated and encouraging results have been found. Comparison of measure and simulation have shown that improvements have to be made on the numerical model.