GRAVITATIONAL CONSTANT STUDY.
Abstract
The theory and design of an apparatus and an experiment for determining the gravitational constant by utilizing gravity gradient measure ments was investigated. Comparison with classi cal methods of determining the gravitational con stant indicated sufficient advantage to justify detailed study of the gradient approach. Modifi cations to the existing Air Force Cambridge Re search Laboratories Gradiometer are suggested to facilitate performance of the experiment. The experimental errors inherent in the procedure and apparatus are analyzed. A limiting accuracy of one part in 30,000 is estimated based on a depleted uranium proof mass weighing 835 pounds and on the estimated performance of the modified gradiometer. It is concluded that the gradiom eter experiment offers good probability of ob taining a substantial improvement in the accuracy of the gravitational constant, currently about one part in 2000. (Author)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jun 30, 1963
- Accession Number
- AD0418327
Entities
People
- Joseph Mason
- Morris Neiman
- Robert Mark