Method of calibrating a force balance

US9052250B1 · kind B1 · utility

Assignee

• The United States of America as represented by the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration · US

Inventors

• Peter A. Parker · Beech Creek, US
• Ray D. Rhew · Suffolk, US
• Thomas H. Johnson · Alexandria, US
• Drew Landman · Norfolk, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Apr 11, 2013
• Grant date: Jun 9, 2015
• Expiry date: Apr 11, 2033

Classification

• Technology area (CPC G): Physics
• CPC primary: G01P21/00
• WIPO field: Measurement
• WIPO sector: Instruments

Abstract

A calibration system and method utilizes acceleration of a mass to generate a force on the mass. An expected value of the force is calculated based on the magnitude and acceleration of the mass. A fixture is utilized to mount the mass to a force balance, and the force balance is calibrated to provide a reading consistent with the expected force determined for a given acceleration. The acceleration can be varied to provide different expected forces, and the force balance can be calibrated for different applied forces. The acceleration may result from linear acceleration of the mass or rotational movement of the mass.