A Triaxial Bridge Accelerometer

A triaxial bridge‐type accelerometer is described. It is used in a falling sphere experiment to determine atmospheric density, temperature, and pressure. A reference mass, internal to the accelerometer, is displaced from a null position when the sphere experiences drag acceleration as it falls through the earth's atmosphere. Displacement, measured along each of the three axes, is related to drag acceleration and to air density. The data from the initial flight indicate a substantial improvement in sensitivity over the transit‐time accelerometer previously used. Discussion is given on the construction, operation, and in‐flight performance of the device.