Related papers: Reflexion on a method for Archaeology of technical…
The present work is a translation from french to english of our previous \g{D\'emocrite et la puissance motrice du feu}, amended on a number of respects. It is mainly of historical and pedagogical interest. We suggest that the concepts…
Known as the Michanikos, Hero of Alexandria is considered the inventor of the world's first steam engine and of many other sophisticated devices. Here we discuss three of them as described in his book "Pneumatica". These machines, working…
The Siege of Syracuse (214 - 212 BC) was a decisive event in the Second Punic War, leading to the city's fall to Rome despite its formidable defenses, including the war machines devised by Archimedes. In this work, we propose a mathematical…
Two books, the "De Architectura" by Vitruvius and the "Naturalis Historia" by Pliny the Elder, give us a portrait of the Materials Science, that is, the knowledge of materials, in Rome at the beginning of the Empire. Here, I am reporting…
A novel method is proposed for moving large, pyramid construction size, stone blocks. The method is inspired by a well known introductory physics homework problem, and is implemented by tying 12 identical rods of appropriately chosen radius…
Creation of devices and mechanisms which help people has a long history. Their inventors always targeted practical goals such as irrigation, harvesting, devices for construction sites, measurement, and, last but not least, military tasks…
A database of objects discovered in houses in the Roman city of Pompeii provides a unique view of ordinary life in an ancient city. Experts have used this collection to study the structure of Roman households, exploring the distribution and…
We investigate two-dimensional, periodic ornaments of the Late Hellenistic (some centuries before the Common Era, the Classical Period) and Early Roman (Common Era) classical periods found at different locations in Asia Minor in Turkey and…
We revisited an analysis made by Euler in a memoir of 1753 'Sur une nouvelle maniere d'elever de l'eau propose par M. de Mour' (On a new method to raise water proposed by Mr. de Mour), addressing a type of water sprinkler, consisting of an…
This study proposes a new approach to the interpretation of Greek Doric-style temples, based on the integration of its tangible and intangible dimensions as a cultural heritage asset. Rooted on the Greek concept of techne, the work…
It is commonly believed that the ancient Romans were the first to create and use concrete. This is not true, as we can easily learn from the Latin literature itself. For sure, Romans were able to prepare high-quality hydraulic cements,…
We illustrate Archimedes' method using models produced with 3D printers. This approach allowed us to create physical proofs of results known to Archimedes and illustrate ideas of a mathematician who is known both for his for his mechanical…
Thermoacoustic oscillations have been one of the most exciting discoveries of the physics of fluids in the 19th century. Since its inception, scientists have formulated a comprehensive theoretical explanation of the basic phenomenon which…
The ability of trees to suck water from roots to leaves, sometimes to heights of over a hundred meters, is remarkable given the absence of any mechanical pump. This study deals with a number of issues, of both an historical and conceptual…
The results of experimental tests of a novel method for moving large (pyramid construction size) stone blocks by rolling them are presented. The method is implemented by tying 12 identical rods of appropriately chosen radius to the faces of…
Recent work has demonstrated that water supply pumps in the drinking water distribution network can be leveraged to provide flexibility to the power network, but existing approaches are computationally demanding and/or overly conservative.…
In the framework of research into radioactive waste disposal, it was decided to investigate the thermally induce pore pressure occurring in the Callovo-Oxfordian claystone, a possible host rock in which the ANDRA underground laboratory of…
We present experimental results on the Stokes experiment performed in a 3D dry liquid foam. The system is used as a rheometric tool : from the force exerted on a 1cm glass bead, plunged at controlled velocity in the foam in a quasi static…
Utilizing synthetic dimensions generated by spatial or temporal modulation, topological pumping enables the exploration of higher-dimensional topological phenomena through lower-dimensional physical systems. In this letter, we propose a…
The European quest for the hard paste porcelain lasted until about 1710, when the first production unit was built at Meissen in Saxony. Although, it is generally believed that Bottger discovered the European porcelain technology, this work…