A balance for precise weighing in a disturbed environment

Abstract

A vacuum balance has been constructed to compare the weights of interchangeable 10 kg masses hanging in evacuated tubes at different levels in a hydroelectric reservoir and used to measure the gravitational constant on a scale of tens of metres. Balance deflections are measured capacitively relative to a reference plane (containing electrodes) that is itself maintained horizontal by capacitive reference to interconnected mercury pools activating a servoed supporting leg. When the balance is mounted on a 38 m electricity pylon in the reservoir experiment, a sensitivity of 1 part in 10 9 is achieved. In a laboratory situation a sensitivity of 1 part in 10 10 appears possible.

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