Recent developments in accelerometer calibration

The object of this paper is to review the developments that have taken place since about 1960 in methods of calibrating small transducers of the types generally used for vibration and shock measurements. The basic methods and recent advances in rectilinear steady-state calibration are outlined and discussed. Steady-state methods and calibrators described include those recently developed at the Australian National Standards Laboratory for absolute calibration by optical interferometry, for comparison and transverse calibrations, and for calibrations at large displacements and low frequencies. The basis of shock calibration is indicated and recent developments discussed. The paper concludes with some general comments on accelerometer calibration requirements in Australia.