Knowledge

Metrology Dictionary

The complete VIM vocabulary — all numbered concepts of JCGM 200:2012 as faithful paraphrases with clause citations — plus clearly labeled practice terms from the GUM, ILAC, ISO and NIST guidance.

Test accuracy ratio (TAR)

The legacy ratio of unit-under-test tolerance to the accuracy specification of the standard used. Superseded in rigorous work by the test uncertainty ratio, which accounts for the whole measurement process.

Industry practice · Quality & Accreditation

Test uncertainty ratio (TUR)

The ratio of the tolerance of the unit under test to the expanded uncertainty of the measurement process used to test it. A 4:1 TUR is the traditional benchmark; lower ratios call for guard banding or risk analysis (ANSI/NCSL Z540.3).

ANSI/NCSL Z540.3 · Quality & Accreditation

Thermal expansion (dimensional)

The length change of a body with temperature, characterized by its coefficient of linear expansion. Dimensional results are reported at the standard reference temperature of 20 °C defined by ISO 1.

ISO 1:2022 · Dimensional

Triangular distribution

A probability distribution rising linearly to a peak midway between limits ±a. Used when values near the centre are more likely; its standard uncertainty is a/√6.

GUM (JCGM 100:2008) 4.3.9 · Uncertainty