The Quality of Measurements A Metrological Reference [Paperback]

This monograph and translation from the Russian describes in detail and comments on the fundamentals of metrology. The basic concepts of metrology, the principles of the International System of Units SI, the theory of measurement uncertainty, the new methodology of estimation of measurement accuracy on the basis of the uncertainty concept, as well as the methods for processing measurement results and estimating their uncertainty are discussed from the modern position. It is shown that the uncertainty concept is compatible with the classical theory of accuracy. The theory of random uncertainties is supplemented with their most general description on the basis of generalized normal distribution; the instrumental systematic errors are presented in connection with the methodology of normalization of the metrological characteristics of measuring instruments.

The information about modern systems of traceability is given. All discussed theoretical principles and calculation methods are illustrated with examples.

This detailed discussion of the fundamentals of metrology includes the design of the SI International System of units, the theory of measurement error, and methods for estimating measurement uncertainty, all discussed from the most up-to-date perspective.

Preface.- From the Author.- 1. Basic Concepts of Metrology.- 1.1. Property and Quantity.- 1.2. The Size and Value of the Quantity. The Unit of the Quantity. The Scale of the Quantity.- 1.3. Measurement.- 1.4. Method and Procedure of Measurement.- 1.5. Measuring Equipment.- 1.5.1. Measuring Transducers.- 1.5.2. Measures.- 1.5.3. Measuring Instruments.- 1.5.4. Measuring Setups and Measuring Systems.- 2. Measurement Errors.- 2.1. Classification of Measurement Errors.- 2.2. Laws of Random Measurement Error Distribution.- 2.2.1. Some Information from the Theory of Probability.- 2.2.2. Normal Distribution Law.- 2.2.3. Generalized Normal Distribution Law.- 2.2.4. Bl³—