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The Effect of Materials on Time
Published online by Cambridge University Press: 29 November 2013
Extract
We all know that the properties of a material can change with time, but is the inverse possible? How can materials have an effect on time? In the strictest sense, the idea is absurd. However, our ability to keep track of time is clearly dependent on the materials we use to construct our clocks. The performance of many early mechanical clocks depended on the materials of fabrication, and today's high-technology clocks depend no less critically on materials.
My objective in this brief article is to divulge a few materials problems involved in clock technology. Since I do not attempt a comprehensive report, I will undoubtedly leave out some issues that colleagues in the field would consider important.
Navigation has been a key driving force for the development of accurate timekeeping, at least since the 17th century. While many other important applications require accurate timekeeping (e.g., synchronization for telecommunications and electrical power distribution), I focus on navigation because of its historical significance and its particularly graphic illustration of why clocks have attained such prominence.
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