Abstract
The paper describes BIC 3, the latest prototype of inertial balance made at INRIM (former IMGC–CNR) in view of its possible use on board the International Space Station. The main characteristic of this instrument is its ability to work both in weightless conditions and on Earth surface with metrological performances comparable to those of a laboratory-level classic balance. BIC 3, although still based on the same centrifugal method adopted in the two previous prototypes, widely differs from them as regards configuration (constant speed), main motor characteristics (here a stepping motor is used), force transducer (the integral beam of a commercially-available balance), and consequently shows metrological performances considerably improved. The main constructional features are described and the metrological characteristics resulted from on-Earth tests are reported and discussed. A test made of 175 measurements in the range 0–150 g showed an expanded uncertainty of 4.1 mg.
Published Version
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