This is a non-flown accelerometer, which has been disassembled for display purposes to show its components. It measured acceleration by means of a pendulum, flanked by two permanent magnets. As the pendulum was deflected by acceleration, electrical coils exerted a force that returned it to the "down" position. The amount of current necessary to perform this operation was proportional to the acceleration.
The AC Spark Plug Division, later called the Delco Division of General Motors, built these accelerometers, which were installed in many aerospace vehicles from the 1960s through the 1980s.
Gift of the Delphi Corporation.
Display Status
This object is not on display at the National Air and Space Museum. It is either on loan or in storage.
Object Details
Country of Origin
United States of America
Type
INSTRUMENTS-Navigational
Manufacturer
AC Spark Plug Division, General Motors Corporation
Dimensions
3-D (Misc. Hardware: Largest): 11.7 × 5.1 × 3.8cm (4 5/8 × 2 × 1 1/2 in.)
3-D (Misc. Hardware: Smallest): 1 × 1 × 0.3cm (3/8 × 3/8 × 1/8 in.)
Materials
Steel
Aluminum
Copper Alloy
Ceramic
Plastic
Unknown Metal
Coating
Synthetic
Paper
Textile
Inventory Number
A20090049000
Credit Line
Gift of Delphi Electronics & Safety
Data Source
National Air and Space Museum
Restrictions & Rights
Usage conditions apply
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