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Comparison of NIST SI Force Scale to NPL SI Mass Scale

Published

Author(s)

Christopher W. Jones, John A. Kramar, Stuart Davidson, Richard Leach, Jon R. Pratt

Abstract

Small masses in the 1.0 mg to 0.1 mg range were developed and calibrated at NPL with traceability to the IPK. These masses were transported to NIST at Gaithersburg and used as deadweights on the NIST electrostatic force balance, to facilitate a mass-force scale comparison. A previously unaccounted systematic discrepancy of about 10 nN was discovered in the force measurements, correlated with the position of the mass lift system. With this correction, the measurements are in agreement. This work highlights the importance of calibration intercomparisons.
Proceedings Title
Proceedings from the American Society for Precision Engineering, 2008
Conference Dates
October 19-24, 2008
Conference Location
Portland, OR, US
Conference Title
American Society for Precision Engineering 23rd Annual Meeting

Keywords

nanonewton, SI traceability, electrostatic force balance, small mass, small force

Citation

Jones, C. , Kramar, J. , Davidson, S. , Leach, R. and Pratt, J. (2008), Comparison of NIST SI Force Scale to NPL SI Mass Scale, Proceedings from the American Society for Precision Engineering, 2008, Portland, OR, US, [online], https://tsapps.nist.gov/publication/get_pdf.cfm?pub_id=824727 (Accessed October 2, 2025)

Issues

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Created October 18, 2008, Updated October 12, 2021
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