Uncertainty analysis for vapor pressure measurement

Experimental work in building science/physics involves various kinds of measurements. Uncertainties associated with these measurements are essential for evaluating the accuracy and quality of the experimental work and more importantly, for evaluating the validity of the experimental conclusions. Performing an uncertainty analysis for a complex measurement system that involves various uncertainty sources and requires multiple levels of uncertainty propagation is not an easy task. A general procedure to perform uncertainty analysis of vapor pressure measurements is described. A sensitivity study is included to demonstrate that it can be used to determine the contribution of each uncertainty source. The influence and validity of an important experimental conclusion is evaluated by considering the uncertainty in measurements obtained in an ASHRAE research project.