张衡地动仪的科学性及其历史贡献

Scientific Nature and Historic Contribution of Zhang Heng's Seismometer

介绍了地面振动的两大分类、验震器和报警器的基本区别以及地面振动的科学检测方法,指出地动仪是对天然验震器——悬挂物的模仿和发展,史料中有关地动仪的结构、大小、反应、关系和应用5个方面的记述具有明确的地震学意义,并给出了3个重要的限制性参数。正是由于史料中存在这些实质性的技术内容和定量参数,使仪器的真实性和科学性得以确认,并使地动仪的科学复原成为可能。张衡利用惯性摆原理成功地开创了人类测震实践的先河,并在保留地动记录和检测微弱信号方面做出了两个重要的贡献。地动仪的成功曾经在现代地震学起步阶段起过重要的思想启迪作用,产生了深远的社会影响。

Two kinds of ground motion, the basic distinctions between seismometer and alarm as well as modern seismometry are introduced in this paper. It is pointed out that Zhang Heng＇s seismometer was the imitation and development of natural seismoscope, i. e. , suspended objects. The historical records provided us some instrument information related to its structure, dimension, reaction, relation and application which had seismological implications and included 3 important parameters. It is due to these technical information and important parameters existed in historical records that the authenticity and scientific nature of the instrument are confirmed and make the scientific reconstruction of it possible. It is the first time in the world that Zhang Heng used pendulum inertia to detect successfully an earthquake, and he also solved two critical technical items of obtaining the record and detecting weak signal of seismic waves. His outstanding contribution mentioned above played an important role in ideological enlightenment at the beginning stage of modern seismology. The invention of Zhang Heng＇s seismometer has promoted the progress of natural science and had far - reaching social effects.