APPARATUS FOR THE MEASUREMENT OF GRAVITATIONAL GRADIENTS

摘要

An apparatus for the measurement of quasi-static gravity gradients, comprising: a flexible string (1); and output means for producing an output which is a function of said gravity gradients; and wherein the string is fixed (2, 2') at both ends; and wherein the apparatus comprises sensing means (L1, L2) for detecting the transverse displacements of said string from its undisturbed reference position due to a gravity gradient around said string; and the output means are responsive to the detected displacement to produce said output which is a function of the gravity gradient; the apparatus further comprising means (30) mounted at a position corresponding to the mid-point between the fixed ends of the string and constructed to prevent movements of said string which correspond to all its odd modes (starting from C-mode) whilst not affecting at least the movement of said string which corresponds to its second fundamental mode (S-mode).