Double pendulum gravimeter and method of measuring gravity using the same

摘要

A double pendulum gravimeter accurately measures gravity by transferring aligned mode energy between suspension points of the pendulums to establish equal arcs of oscillation of the pendulums and by sensing oscillation characteristics to establish an accurate gravity value including a correction factor which depends on the arc of oscillation, while absorbing adverse mode energy.

主权项

1. A gravimeter for measuring a value of gravity, comprising:
a first pendulum connected at a first suspension point to oscillate about the first suspension point in a first arc of oscillation under the influence of gravity and oscillation energy applied to the first pendulum; a first sensor associated with the first pendulum to sense a characteristic of oscillation of the first pendulum in the first arc of oscillation; a second pendulum connected at a second suspension point to oscillate about the second suspension point in a second arc of oscillation under the influence of gravity and oscillation energy applied to the second pendulum; a second sensor associated with the second pendulum to sense a characteristic of oscillation of the second pendulum in the second arc of oscillation; and wherein: the first and second suspension points are separated from one another; the first and second pendulums oscillate in a common plane at a relative 180° phase difference with respect to one another; and further comprising: a transfer coupling connected to the first and second suspension points and operative to transfer aligned mode energy between the first and second suspension points, the aligned mode energy constituting a component of energy which is aligned directly between the first and second suspension points and which is effective at the first and second suspension points.