THE DESIGN, DEVELOPMENT AND TESTING OF AN EXTREMELY SENSITIVE ACCELEROMETER
Abstract
The design of a novel force balance accelerometer using electrocapillary surface force on a mercury drop, capable of giving a linear voltage output for accelerations from 1 G to 0.00001 G with sensitivity of 0.00001 G, is discussed. The feasibility of the design is shown and test results for the device are given. The electrocapillary device uses a Hg drop s the seismic mass and an elecrocapillary phenomenon as a null balance force. Electrocapillarity as applied in this work is the change in surface tension (in this case on a Hg drop electrolyte interface) as the electric field in the electrolyte containing the Hg is varied. The changes in surface tension over the Hg rop produce a surface flow which couples with the electrolyte to give a surface force which can propel the drop through the electrolyte. Theoretically, this force is a function of the electric field intensity seen by the drop, and the voltage which produces this field can balance a given acceleration. This voltage is then a measure of the acceleration. (Author)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- May 01, 1962
- Accession Number
- AD0287428
Entities
People
- David A. Clutz
- William R. Jr. Baker
Organizations
- Case Western Reserve University