SI Traceability of Force at the Nanonewton Level

Published

January 1, 2001

Author(s)

David B. Newell, Jon R. Pratt, John A. Kramar, Douglas T. Smith, L Feeney, Edwin R. Williams

Abstract

Although nanonewton force measurements are commonplace in industry, no National Measurement Institute supports a link to the International System of Units (SI) below one newton. The National Institute of Standards and Technology has launched a five-year inter-laboratory project focusing on the development of an instrument and laboratory capable of realizing and measuring the SI unit of force below 5 micronewtons using the electrical units as the link to the SI. We will give a brief overview of this project, instrument performance objectives and designs, and initial trials with a prototype electrostatic force balance.

Proceedings Title

Proceedings of National Conference of Standards Laboratories International

Conference Dates

July 28-August 2, 2001

Conference Location

Washington, DC, USA

Conference Title

National Conference of Standards Laboratories International

Pub Type

Conferences

Keywords

force metrology, mass metrology, nanotechnology

Citation

Newell, D. , Pratt, J. , Kramar, J. , Smith, D. , Feeney, L. and Williams, E. (2001), SI Traceability of Force at the Nanonewton Level, Proceedings of National Conference of Standards Laboratories International, Washington, DC, USA (Accessed October 22, 2025)