MEASUREMENT OF ACCELERATION

摘要

An acceleration measuring device is disclosed, for use as a gravimeter or gradiometer for example. The device has a support and a proof mass, connected to each other by at flexures allowing displacement of the proof mass relative to the support. The support defines a space for displacement of the proof mass. The device is configured so that the modulus of the gradient of the force-displacement curve of the proof mass decreases with increasing displacement, for at least part of the force-displacement curve. This is the so-called anti-spring effect. The resonant frequency of oscillation of the proof mass is determined at least in part by the orientation of the device relative to the direction of the force due to gravity. The proof mass is capable of oscillating with a resonant frequency of 10 Hz or less. The proof mass has a mass of less than 1 gram.