Realisation of the force scale for compression and tension forces up to 16.5 MN
The force is a derived vectorial physical quantity with the unit Newton (N). One Newton is defined as the force required to impart to a body of 1 kg mass an acceleration of 1 m/s².
Force standard machines are the highest national standards for the physical quantity force. The standards realize the unit of force - the Newton - in discrete values in the range from 0.5 N to 16.5 MN.
Investigations of force standard machines, force calibration machines, and force transducers
Force standard machines and calibration machines are investigated theoretically and experimentally to determine and reduce the measurement uncertainty. Precision force transducers are used as transfer standards for these investigations. The tranducer characteristics such as reproducibilty, creep, hysteresis and linearity are analysed.
Stress calculations by finite element methods
For the theoretical analysis of the action of forces in force standard machines, in force transducers or complex force measuring devices, numerical calculation methods are used, e.g. the method of finite elements.
Testing of force transducers and comparison measurements
The transfer of the force scale to laboratories in research and industry is ensured by the calibration of force measuring devices and by comparisons with force calibration machines.
Development and investigation of measurement methods and test facilities for the dynamic calibration of force transducers
For time dependent-forces, the dynamic behaviour of force measuring systems must be taken into account. New measurement procedures are therefore developed and new facilities designed and constructed in the laboratory to determine the frequency response of force measuring devices. The dynamic forces are determined from the acceleration of the acting load masses.
International comparison measurements
International intercomparison measurements are carried out with force transfer standards to ensure uniformity of the force scale all over the world. 1.21 is a pilot laboratory of the CIPM and EUROMET Key Comparisons for the quantity "force".
Assessment of calibration laboratories for force and testing machines within the German Calibration Service
The assessment of calibration laboratories is carried out within the scope of the accreditation by German Calibration Service (DKD).
