Sensory System

Visual

Context

Held within the museum collection at the main store.  In this specific context the instrument is being studied by the curator as they try to plot the stages of scientific analysis leading to advice being given to the population following a nuclear explosion.

Temporality

A number of interactions across a number of years as the device gradually becomes more intelligible and more relevant within ever more detailed research understanding.

Description

A white disk made of plastic or plasticised card, approximately 150mm in diameter and .25mm thick.  A second disk of the same material but slightly reduced diameter (135mm) is affixed through the centre point of the main disk such that the two can rotate independently.  Finally a third layer consisting of a transparent rectangle with central line printed longways from end to end is attached through the centre point, also rotating independent of the other 2. The artefact has a printed title: Nuclear Weapon Effects  Computer No 2. Both circular disks carry densely printed information.  The larger base disk has narrow black markers radiating the edge accompanied by figures representing the distance <em>from</em> the ground zero of a nuclear explosion.  Together they form a non-regular scale where a distance of an eighth of a mile accounts for 60 degrees of the circumference, and the distance 50 - 60 miles takes a span of only around 12 degrees. Further detail is printed to this rear disk, but which is only seen through carefully cut slots in the overlaying second disk.  In this way, by rotating the second disk, and in relation to the ground zero distance scale just described, relational information is revealed relating to the depth of a bomb crater, the geology of the mass disturbed in creating the crater, the height of a debris cloud and radius of fireball.  Printed information on the second disk informs the user of what each value relates to, and links those values to further categories of around the estimation of damage and casualties, expressed in ratio to the bomb's power, distance and nature of blast. The third layer, with its linear mark running from centre point to outer rim of the two other disks, provides a point of reference from which to read data.

Relationships

• Touch

Content Type

Physical collection

Accessible

Yes