Circular Division (Metrology)

8.11.
A circle can be divided into any number of parts. The accuracy with which it is performed
is proven once the circle is “closed”. The division of the circle is thus uniquely self proving. The
level of accuracy depends only on the precision of available equipment and the techniques
employed. The method of circular division is the only one inherently capable of deriving
primary standards. No outside authority such as standards is necessary for verification of
angle obtained by this method.
The level of accuracy depends only on the precision of available equipment and the
techniques employed.
Angle is defined by sub-division of the circle and the divided circle is used extensively
in practical applications for measuring and setting out angles.
Long back it was realised that for marking high-class instruments, precisely divided
circular scales were required. For this purpose a circular dividing machine was also developed,
but no means were available for checking the divisions. However, divided scales were made
and used for circular division and these are still used in optical dividing heads and circular
tables.

Next post:

Previous post: