Study of the National Measurement System. Final Summary Report, 1972-75,

摘要

This is the summary report for the 1972-75NBS Study of the National Measurement System; i.e.,the activities and mechanisms that provide physical measurement data for creation of objective,quantitative knowledge for use in our personal lives,society,science,and technology. It includes structural and economic overviews of the system and summarizes results of microstudies of specific measurement sectors. The structural model of the system has five levels:conceptual system,basic technical infrastructure,realized measurement capabilities,institutional dissemination and enforcement network,and end-use measurement activities. Transactions in the system have been described in a matrix format. Measurement-related activities account for about 6% of Gross National Product and pervade all economic sectors. Indicative cost-benefit analyses are described. Measurement sectors covered by 24 microstudies include time and frequency;mechanical,thermal,electrical,electromagnetic acoustic,and optical quantities,and ionizing radiation. Major system trends are toward increased complexity and integration,improved quality control and information resources,automation,metrication,and consolidation of the recent scientific revolution in metrology.