Abstract: A method of manufacturing a low density accelerometer comprises the steps of: providing a rigid hollow housing having an upper member and a lower member and forming a groove circumferentially along an inner surface of the rigid hollow housing about a location where the upper member is configured to meet the lower member; providing a sensor assembly including a sensing element affixed to a solid proof mass; disposing the sensor assembly in the lower member of the rigid hollow housing, such that an outer edge of the sensing element engages and is in physical contact with the groove defined in the inner surface of the rigid hollow housing; and placing the upper member of the rigid hollow housing over the lower member of the rigid hollow housing, to enclose the sensor assembly within the rigid hollow housing, wherein the sensor assembly is in physical contact with the rigid hollow housing at the groove.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a low density accelerometer comprises the steps of: providing a rigid hollow housing having an upper member and a lower member and forming a groove circumferentially along an inner surface of the rigid hollow housing about a location where the upper member is configured to meet the lower member; providing a sensor assembly including a sensing element affixed to a solid proof mass; disposing the sensor assembly in the lower member of the rigid hollow housing, such that an outer edge of the sensing element engages and is in physical contact with the groove defined in the inner surface of the rigid hollow housing; and placing the upper member of the rigid hollow housing over the lower member of the rigid hollow housing, to enclose the sensor assembly within the rigid hollow housing, wherein the sensor assembly is in physical contact with the rigid hollow housing at the groove.

Abstract: A low density accelerometer includes a buoyant outer layer and a rigid hollow housing within the outer layer. The housing includes an upper member and a lower member and is configured to form a groove at the junction of the upper and lower member. A disk shaped sensing element configured in a ring defining an aperture is configured to engage the groove along an outer edge of the annular ring. A solid proof mass is configured to fit in the center of the annular ring and configured with a threaded bore on an upper surface of the proof mass. The mass is secured to the sensing element by a retainer such as a Belleville washer in contact with the upper surface of the sensing element circumferentially about the aperture and a threaded fastener passing through the retainer and the aperture in the sensing element, and threadingly engaging the threaded bore in the proof mass.