Engineering Measurement
Innovative engineering measurement methods that are key in underpinning the current and future competitiveness of UK industry, including length, mass, force and temperature and humidity. These measurement methods are based on the application of physical science techniques to measurement issues.
Examples include the use of:
- Rayleigh scattering of light to determine flame temperatures with an unprecedented precision of better than 1%
- Electrostatics to measure and generate traceable force in the nN range
- Magnetic resonance spectroscopy to provide internal temperature measurement, for instance for health applications
- Interferometry and profilometry to provide traceable areal surface topography measurement
A particular focus of the team is on the provision of measurement methods tailored to specific industrial measurement issues in manufacturing and service. The work also includes the realisation and dissemination of the base SI units of mass (the kilogram), length (the metre), and temperature (the kelvin) and derived SI units, including those for density and force. Interaction with industry occurs through the provision of measurement solutions, and a wide range of collaborations, including consultancy, measurement research, and instrument calibration. The work is disseminated through the Engineering & Optical Special Interest Group.
Engineering Measurements science areas
- Measurements of mass, force, pressure, and density are some of the most commonly made in the UK. NPL ensures that these measurements can be made traceable to internationally agreed standards.
- Dimensional Metrology at NPL encompasses provision of national measurement standards for dimensional metrology using a variety of techniques.
- NPL's Thermal Performance team provides a wide range of measurement facilities for characterising thermophysical properties of materials and the heat transfer within engineering structures.
- Our experienced team provides world-leading research into the development of innovative sensors, standards and measurement solutions, maintains ITS-90 and delivers calibrations against UK National Standards.