A cryogenic test of the equivalence principle
Abstract
The weak equivalence principle is the hypothesis that the ratio of inertial and passive gravitational mass is the same for all bodies. A greatly improved test of this principle is possible in an orbiting satellite. The most promising experiments for an orbital test are adaptations of the Galilean freefall experiment and the Eoetvoes balance. Limitations to equivalence principle experiments and the usefulness of cryogenic technology in the experiments are discussed. An experimental test of some of the concepts involved in the orbital free-fall experiment is described. The experiment consists in comparing the motions of test masses levitated in a superconducting magnetic bearing, and is itself a sensitive test of the equivalence principle.
- Publication:
-
Ph.D. Thesis
- Pub Date:
- 1976
- Bibcode:
- 1976PhDT........21W
- Keywords:
-
- Cryogenics;
- Gravitation Theory;
- Mass;
- Artificial Satellites;
- Equivalence;
- Experiment Design;
- Free Fall;
- Liquid Helium;
- Geophysics