The Sector
Intro: The Sector
The sector was invented or at least first deployed by Thomas Hood or Galileo Galilei at the turn of the 17th century. Although capable of many functions, you can use the sector to find proportions -- thus its other name, the proportional compass.
The phenomenon of the sector is a dramatic paradox. The sector was created to eliminate the need for tedious arithmetic, but its use accelerated the mathematics of natural science. According to Wikipedia, the sector advanced science itself.
As you can see from the fancy version, the sector serves many functions. You might find yours useful if not for fortification and gunnery practice, but as a good way to explore proportional equations. If you make a sector with 13 sections, you'll be able to approximate the golden ratio (1.618:1). Or in my case, as an American in London, I can use it as a quick currency or temperature conversion tool.
http://cogtoys.wordpress.com/2014/08/12/sectors/
STEP 1: Tools and Materials
One of the tools I am using is non-standard; it is the twist gimlet. I almost bought the twist gimlet for the name alone. I wonder if the gimlet drink was named for its potent and stabbing effect. They are very good -- the tool, that is -- for working with soft wood. You can probably find a twist gimlet in your local hardware store for less than five dollars. I bought this one at the local iron mongers for less than three pounds.
STEP 2: Make the Hinge
STEP 3: Set the Angle
STEP 4: Mark Off Increments
STEP 5: Check Your Measurements
STEP 6: Start Using Your Sector
Suppose you want to divide a line six inches long into five equal parts. Measure off six inches with dividers, and open the sector until the distance between the 5 and 5 on the linear scales is six inches apart. By the principle of similar triangles, the distance between 1 and 1 on the linear scales is then one fifth of the distance of the distance between five and five. Measure the distance 1 to 1 with dividers and the five equal lengths can be measured off the original six inch line.
In our similar triangles from Step Four, you can see with the linear scales how the different sized triangles are proportional.Please know that technicians usually took measurements with dividers, just like the half-naked Newton statue at the British Library.
STEP 7: Variations, Improvisations, and Meditations
Galileo and others had marked their sectors with additional scales besides the arithmetic scale. These were used for calculating areas and volumes, and in some instances the weight of cannon balls. By adding an adjustable strut between the legs, you can measure angle. Sectors were also used in surveying by laying them flat and supporting them with a pole.
What happens when you change the angle and measure different increments? Can you predict the lengths using trigomometry?
5 Comments
marcellahella 10 years ago
PS118 10 years ago
Unfortunately the "how to use" picture was a little hard to read, but after a little googling about I found this great instructional video:
http://www.popularwoodworking.com/article/jim-tolpin%E2%80%99s-%E2%80%98secret-of-the-sector%E2%80%99
Cogtoys 10 years ago
I should give proper credit to the video, which recommends using thirteen sections.
Cogtoys 10 years ago
rimar2000 10 years ago
I discovered this week that to measure little angles is far better measure the distance between two ends of a drafting compass and apply a little trigonometry. I will post an instructable about that and a contraption I did in order to use that method.