Metrology

What is Metrology ??

Have you ever wondered how an inch became an inch, and why a kilo is not a pound? Do you know what the distance is between the earth and the sun in millimeters? These are questions that can only be answered if you learn more about metrology.

• Metrology comes from the Greek word “metron" and “logos" which literally means the study of measurement. This study covers both the experimental and theoretical aspects of measurement and the determination of the levels of uncertainty of these aspects. The study of measurement is a basic requirement in any field of science and technology, most importantly in engineering and manufacturing. Since metrology is the study of measurement, it is expected to enforce, validate and verify predefined standards for traceability, accuracy, reliability, and precision. All of these are factors that would affect the validity of measurement. Although these standards vary widely, these are mandated by the government, the agencies, and some treaties. Consequently, these standards are verified and tested against a recognized quality system in calibration laboratories.

• The experimental aspect of metrology is that which deals with the investigation of the relationship among variables. These variables are established depending on set of observations being considered or classified. As such, it is in this aspect that hypotheses are established and tested.

On the other hand, the theoretical aspect of metrology deals with the various concepts and principles underlying the study. This aspect is based on established theories and concepts which are derived from empirical observations which satisfy the baseline requirements. In other words, the theoretical aspect is expected to be functional and working.

In order to thoroughly grasp the concept of measurement, metrology is divided into three subfields. These three subfields in metrology are: scientific or fundamental metrology, applied or industrial metrology, and legal metrology. Each of these subfields is distinctly different from the other.

• Scientific or Fundamental Metrology. This subfield deals with the establishment of units of measurement, unit systems, and quantity systems. The units of measurement sets standards adopted conventionally and by law, of the definite magnitude of a physical quantity. On the other hand the units systems are composed of the traditional systems, metric systems, and the natural systems. There are also some unit systems that are derived from a set of fundamental units. The quantity systems are the standard systems used in the control of measure, net weight, or number of constant quantity packed goods.

METROLOGY FUNDAMENTALS

Purpose

The Fundamentals of Metrology seminar will introduce the participant to the concepts of measurement systems, units, measurement uncertainty, measurement assurance, traceability, basic statistics and how they fit into the laboratory Quality Management System. Additional topics covered will include overall Laboratory Management and Laboratory Quality Management Systems as well as specific discussions of the requirements for proficiency testing, calibration certificate generation, software verification and validation and management reviews. Topics will be covered using a variety of measurement disciplines and case studies so that the participants will be able to apply the concepts to any measurement discipline upon completion. Topics will be covered in a mixture of training styles including lecture, hands-on exercises, case studies and discussion.

Learning Objectives:

At the end of this seminar, participants will be able to:

• IDENTIFY and USE reference materials to ensure good quality, accurate, traceable measurement results;

• EXPLAIN highlights and key concepts of each topic (noted on the Table of Contents and the detailed learning objectives) to each other and to your managers and show how these topics fit in to a management system using ISO/IEC 17025 as the basis.

• Have and know how to IMPLEMENT several simple tools, job aids, and references to use and improve your laboratory operations.

Materials & Supplies:

A number of notebooks and course materials will be provided.

Prerequisite(s):

Required prerequisites include having a demonstrated knowledge of basic mathematics (pre-test) and completion of a number of reading assignments.

Pre-Work:

In addition to completing and submitting the Math Exercises, please read:

• NPL Beginner’s Guide to Measurement(link is external)

• Beginner's Guide to Measurement in Mechanical Engineering(link is external)

• ISO/IEC 17025 (either the standard itself, or versions available in NIST Handbook 143 - Program Handbook)

• For reference, download NIST Special Publication 811 “Guide for the Use of the International System of Units (SI)”

Post-Work:

Fundamentals of Metrology, Laboratory Auditing Program (LAP) Problems – required for State Weights and Measures Laboratories (not applicable for other participants.)

Minimum Requirement(s):

Successful completion requires that participants fully participate in all classroom and laboratory exercises, turn in or present accurate work assignments, and be present for the entire course. There will also be a Final Exam on the last day of the class. The Final Exam will contribute 50 percent of the grade and the class and laboratory exercises will be 50 percent of the grade. A passing grade on both portions is required to obtain a training certificate that indicates “successful completion” (e.g., getting a 100 percent on the final will not be an excuse to participate minimally in classroom and laboratory.) Successful completion qualifies the participant to participate in the Mass, Volume and Length seminars, though those may have additional prerequisites. *Homework note: students generally report taking one to two hours for homework each night.

Audience:

State laboratory personnel who have responsibilities for developing, implementing, and/or improving the quality management system in their laboratory as well as those who are seeking OWM recognition and/or accreditation or improvements to support recognition/accreditation. This course is also available for non-weights and measures participants.

Technology Requirement(s):

You will need to bring a 10-digit scientific calculator to use during this seminar. Participants MUST be familiar with the use of the hand-held scientific calculator. Additionally, use of a laptop or tablet PC is required to succeed in the seminar. Participants must have access to Microsoft Word and Excel (version 2010 or newer are acceptable) and be able to open and use template Excel workbooks that will be provided on either CD-ROM or USB media. You must also be able to save/store files to USB media devices or CD-RW to facilitate printing. Internet access is not provided during the seminar.

Related Project(s):

NIST OWM has a number of other training opportunities scheduled. For more information:

• OWM training schedule

• OWM Lab Metrology Group Training page

• Request training using the Weights and Measures Contact Management System

METROLOGY CAREER

more resistant building materials relies on measurement science. Metrologists also are involved in building design and may study structural durability. To help guide construction standards, metrologyworkers develop tests to evaluate a structure's resistance to daily stress from both people and the environment. download the pdf by this link which is given below for information

https://www.bls.gov/careeroutlook/2009/fall/art02.pdf