ResearchMeasurements 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.
- Mass is the only base SI unit that is defined in terms of a physical artefact.
- Cardiac output (CO) is defined as the volume of blood pumped by the heart in one minute - it is equal to the product of the heart rate and the stroke volume.
- Accurate measurements of in-cylinder pressure are critical when developing automotive engines with improved exhaust emissions and efficiencies.
- Scientists at the National Physical Laboratory are developing small mass standards with values below a milligram.
- Storage of mass standards in inert gas/vacuum to achieve improved mass stability compared with storage in air.
- Cleaning of platinum-iridium mass standards using ultra violet light and ozone provides a non-contact alternative to solvent/steam cleaning.