Gravity Gradiometer with a mounting having a three part mount connected by flexure webs

摘要

Disclosed is a gravity gradiometer for measuring components of a gravity gradient tensor. The gradiometer comprises: a sensor (41, 42) for measuring the components of the gravity gradient tensor; and a mounting (5) for providing rotation about three substantially orthogonal axes, and for supporting the sensor. The sensor comprises a first mass (41) and a second mass (42) supported within respective first and second housings for movements relative to the housings in response to the gravitational field. The mounting comprises: a first mount (10); a second mount; and a first flexure web (33) for pivotally coupling the first and second mounts for pivotal movement about a first axis. The second mount has a first part (25), a second part (26) and a third part (27). The first part connects to the second part by a second flexure web (37) for pivotally coupling the first part to the second part for pivotal movement about a second axis orthogonal to the first axis. The third part is coupled to the second part by a third flexure web (35) for pivotally coupling the third part to the second part for pivotal movement about a third axis orthogonal to the first and second axes.