Possible interpretation of discrepancy in results of absolute gravity determination at Sevres
Abstract
At Sevres, as at any other observatory, pedestals, columns and walls create a nonuniformity of the gravity field in the room where measurements of absolute gravity are made. The neglecting of this gravitational field nonuniformity can result in errors which multiply exceed the accuracy in measuring absolute gravity which is usually cited. There are two ways in which this nonuniformity is reflected. First, due to the vertical gravity gradient delta g/delta z there is a change in the length of the path traversed by the test body during free falling. Second, due to the vertical gravity gradient errors arise in the reduction of the measured absolute gravity value to some point in space. These factors are taken into account here in examining the results of absolute gravity determinations at the International Bureau of Weights and Measures at Sevres, where Italian, Russian and Chinese instruments were used on the same pedestal (American and French instruments were on a different pedestal). The free falling method was used. Allowance for the above-mentioned factors gave an improvement in the convergence of results.
- Publication:
-
USSR Report Earth Sciences JPRS UES
- Pub Date:
- May 1984
- Bibcode:
- 1984RpESc.......44S
- Keywords:
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- Columns (Supports);
- Earth Gravitation;
- Gravitational Fields;
- Nonuniformity;
- Walls;
- Accuracy;
- Convergence;
- Error Analysis;
- Gradients