Gravity Gradiometer with chevron shaped mass having a non-zero quadruple moment

摘要

Disclosed is a gravity gradiometer for measuring components of a gravitational gradient tensor. The gradiometer comprises: a first housing (45); a first mass (41) forming one part of a pair of masses; and a first flexure web (59) located on a peripheral edge of the first mass. The flexure web pivotally connects the first mass with the first housing for movement there between in response to differences in a gravitational field so that signals can be produced indicative of components of the gravitational gradient tensor. The first mass has a non-zero quadruple moment with a centre of mass located at the flexure web and the first mass is chevron-shaped with first and second arms extending from the centre of mass.