Gravity gradiometer

Details Gravity gradiometer Gravity gradiometer

2011-05-10

2011-05-10

Williams, Hezron (Department: 2856)

Measuring and testing

Gravitational determination

C073S38200R

Reexamination Certificate

active

07938003

ABSTRACT:
A gravity gradiometer is disclosed which has a sensor in the form of bars (41and42) which are supported on a mounting (5) which has a first mount section (10) and a second mount section (20). A first flexure web (33) pivotally couples the first and second mount sections about a first axis. The second mount has a first part (25), a second part (26) and a third part (27). The parts (25and26) are connected by a second flexure web (37) and the parts (26and27) are connected by a third flexure web (35). The bars (41and42) are located in housings (45and47) and form a monolithic structure with the housings (45and47) respectively. The housings (45and47) are connected to opposite sides of the second mount section20. The bars (41and42) are connected to their respective housings by flexure webs (59). Transducers (71) are located in proximity to the bars for detecting movement of the bars to in turn enable the gravitational gradient tensor to be measured. First and second feedback controllers are provided for monitoring disturbances of an external platform and an internal platform which mount the gradiometer for producing forces to stabilise the sensor.

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