Methods of Measurements

METHODS OF MEASUREMENTS

These are the methods of comparison used in measurement process. In precision measurement various methods of measurement are adopted depending upon the accuracy required and the amount of permissible error.

The methods of measurement can be classified as:

l. Direct method

2. Indirect method

3. Absolute or Fundamental method

4. Comparative method

5. Transposition method

6. Coincidence method

7. Deflection method

8. Complementary method

9. Contact method

10.           Contact less method

1. Direct method of measurement:

This is a simple method of measurement, in which the value of the quantity to be measured is obtained directly without any calculations. For example, measurements by using scales, vernier callipers, micrometers, bevel protector etc. This method is most widely used in production. This method is not very accurate because it depends on human insensitiveness in making judgment.

2. Indirect method of measurement:

In indirect method the value of quantity to be measured is obtained by measuring other quantities which are functionally related to the required value. E.g. Angle measurement by sine bar, measurement of screw pitch diameter by three wire method etc.

3. Absolute or Fundamental method:

It is based on the measurement of the base quantities used to define the quantity. For example, measuring a quantity directly in accordance with the definition of that quantity, or measuring a quantity indirectly by direct measurement of the quantities linked with the definition of the quantity to be measured.

4. Comparative method:

In this method the value of the quantity to be measured is compared with known value of the same quantity or other quantity practically related to it. So, in this method only the deviations from a master gauge are determined, e.g., dial indicators, or other comparators.

5. Transposition method:

It is a method of measurement by direct comparison in which the value of the quantity measured is first balanced by an initial known value A of the same quantity, and then the value of the quantity measured is put in place of this known value and is balanced again by another known value B. If the position of the element indicating equilibrium is the same in both cases, the value of the quantity to be measured is AB. For example, determination of amass by means of a balance and known weights, using the Gauss double weighing.

6. Coincidence method:

It is a differential method of measurement in which a very small difference between the value of the quantity to be measured and the reference is determined by the observation of the coincidence of certain lines or signals. For example, measurement by vernier calliper micrometer.

7. Deflection method:

In this method the value of the quantity to be measured is directly indicated by a deflection of a pointer on a calibrated scale.

8. Complementary method:

In this method the value of the quantity to be measured is combined with a known value of the same quantity. The combination is so adjusted that the sum of these two values is equal to predetermined comparison value. For example, determination of the volume of a solid by liquid displacement.

9. Method of measurement by substitution:

It is a method of direct comparison in which the value of a quantity to be measured is replaced by a known value of the same quantity, so selected that the effects produced in the indicating device by these two values are the same.

10. Method of null measurement:

It is a method of differential measurement. In this method the difference between the value of the quantity to be measured and the known value of the same quantity with which it is compared is brought to zero.