Errors in Measurement
In any measurement, there is always a degree of uncertainty resulting from measurement error,
i.e. all measurements are inaccurate to some extent Measurement error is the difference between
the indicated and actual values of the measurand.
During measurement several types of errors may arise such as
1. Static errors,
2. Instrument loading errors or dynamic errors,
These errors can be broadly classified into two categories viz.
a. Controllable errors
b. Random errors
Static Errors
Static errors: It results from the intrinsic imperfections or limitations in the hardware and
apparatus compared to ideal instruments.
Static errors stem from three basic sources:
1. Reading error: parallax, interpolation, optical resolution (readability or output
resolution)
2. Characteristic error : It is the deviation of the output of the measuring system under
constant environmental conditions from the theoretically predicted performance. If the
theoretical output is a straight line, then linearity, hysteresis, repeatability, and resolution
errors are part of the characteristic error.
3. Environmental error: result from effect of surrounding temperature, pressure and
humidity on measuring system.
Dynamic Errors
Dynamic errors are caused by time variations in the measurand and results from the inability of
a measuring system to respond faithfully to a time-varying measurand.
Usually the dynamic response is limited by inertia, damping, friction or other physical
constraints in the sensing or readout or display system.
Systematic or Controllable Errors
Systematic error is just a euphemism for experimental mistakes. These are controllable in both
their magnitude and sense.
Common causes of controllable errors include:
1. Calibration Errors. The actual length of standards such as slip gauges and engraved scales will
vary from nominal value by small amount.
2. Ambient Conditions.
3. Stylus Pressure.
4.Avoidable Errors. parallax and the effect of misalignment of the work piece centre.
5.Experimental arrangement being different from that assumed in theory.
6. Incorrect theory i.e., the presence of effects not taken into account.
These can be determined and reduced, if attempts are made to analyze them. However, they can
not be revealed by repeated observations. These errors either have a constant value or a value
changing according to a definite law.
These errors occur randomly and the specific cases of such errors cannot be determined, but
likely sources of this type of errors are
small variations in the position of setting standard and work piece,
slight displacement of lever joints in the measuring joints in measuring instrument,
transient fluctuation in the friction in the measuring instrument,
and operator errors in reading scale and pointer type displays or in reading engraved scale
positions.
Sources of Errors
Noise – instrument senses other inputs along with the primary input.
Response time – the delay or high rise time could give rise to incorrect output values.
Design limitation – error in the design of the instrument.
Deterioration of measuring system – drift, ageing, wear and tear.
Environmental effects – change in working conditions.
Human errors – operators make mistakes in observing, interpreting or recording the data.
