Image: Platinum-Iridium meter bar

Description: Computer generated image of International Prototype Metre bar, made of 90% platinum - 10% iridium alloy. This was the standard of length for the SI (Metric system) from 1889 until 1960, when the SI system changed to a new definition of length based on the wavelength of light emitted by krypton 86. The length of the metre was defined by the distance between two fine lines ruled on the central rib of the bar near the ends, at the temperature of freezing water. The bar was given an X (Tresca) cross-sectional shape to increase its stiffness-to-weight ratio, improve its thermal accommodation time, and so the graduation lines could be located on the "neutral" axis of the bar where the change in length with flexure is minimum. The prototype was made in 1889, its length made equal to the previous French standard "Metre of the Archives". Twenty-nine identical copies were made at the same time, which were calibrated against the prototype and distributed to nations to serve as national standards.
Title: Platinum-Iridium meter bar
Credit: Originally downloaded from :http://www.mel.nist.gov/div821/webdocs-14/lsi_2.htm on NIST website Image currently at Length—Evolution from Measurement Standard to a Fundamental Constant, Physical Measurement Laboratory, US National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) website. No copyright attribution appeared with image.
Author: Unknown
Permission: Public Domain - work by employee of US Federal Government. Disclaimer on website: "With the exception of material marked as copyrighted, information presented on these pages is considered public information and may be distributed or copied."
Usage Terms: Public domain
License: Public domain
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