Toward dynamic force calibration

Ways of establishing dynamic calibration methods are discussed. Three methods for evaluating the dynamic response of force transducers against varying force are described. In all methods, the inertial force of a mass is used as the known dynamic force, and this reference force is applied to a force transducer under test. The inertial force is measured highly accurately as the product of the mass and the acceleration. An aerostatic linear bearing is used to obtain linear motion with sufficiently small friction acting on the mass (i.e., the moving part of the bearing). Three experimental setups were built for the dynamic calibration against an impact force, an oscillation force and a step force. The present status and the future prospects of dynamic force calibration are discussed.