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Tang

The Tang dynasty (618–907 CE) was an imperial dynasty of China founded by Li Yuan, who proclaimed himself Emperor Gaozu after overthrowing the preceding amid widespread rebellion against its harsh policies and failed military campaigns. It is widely regarded by historians as a golden age of Chinese civilization, characterized by territorial expansion to include much of , economic prosperity driven by the trade and agricultural innovations like the , and a cosmopolitan culture that integrated influences from Persia, , and through the capital , one of the world's largest cities at the time. Under emperors like Taizong (r. 626–649), who consolidated power through military reforms and merit-based bureaucracy, the dynasty achieved military dominance, subduing nomadic threats and establishing protectorates in the and beyond, while fostering advancements in poetry, painting, and technology such as . The era saw the only female ruler in Chinese imperial history, (r. 690–705 as emperor), who briefly interrupted Tang rule with her but promoted , expanded the civil service exams, and stabilized the realm before restoring the Li family. Cultural flourishing peaked with poets like and , whose works defined literature, amid a tolerant religious landscape that included Daoism, , and foreign faiths like Nestorian and . The dynasty's decline accelerated after the An Lushan Rebellion (755–763), a devastating civil war led by a frontier general that halved the population through warfare, famine, and disease, exposing weaknesses in centralized control and reliance on eunuchs and regional warlords. Subsequent emperors struggled with factional strife, fiscal strain from military overextension, and Huang Chao's peasant uprising (874–884), culminating in the dynasty's collapse in 907 amid fragmentation into the Five Dynasties and Ten Kingdoms period. Despite these upheavals, Tang innovations in governance, such as refined legal codes and administrative efficiency, influenced successor states and left a legacy of artistic and intellectual achievement that shaped East Asian history.

Chinese Historical Entities

Tang Dynasty

The Tang dynasty (Chinese: 唐朝; pinyin: Tángcháo) ruled from 618 to 907 CE, succeeding the after a period of unification and internal strife. Founded by Li Yuan, who proclaimed himself Emperor Gaozu amid the collapse of Sui authority, the dynasty established its capital at (modern ), which became a major cosmopolitan center facilitating trade along the . The era is often characterized as due to territorial expansion, administrative innovations, and cultural flourishing, with the empire extending influence into , , and through military campaigns and diplomacy. Early emperors consolidated power effectively; Li Shimin (Emperor Taizong, r. 626–649 CE) expanded the empire's borders and reformed the bureaucracy by emphasizing merit-based examinations and equal-field land distribution to bolster agricultural output and tax revenue. Subsequent rulers like Emperor Gaozong (r. 649–683 CE) maintained stability, though the influence of Empress Wu Zetian, who briefly interrupted the dynasty as the only female emperor in Chinese history (r. 690–705 CE), marked a period of political intrigue before the Li family's restoration. The dynasty's governance featured a centralized bureaucracy with three departments (administration, review, and secretariat) and six ministries, promoting efficiency and reducing corruption through institutional checks. Economically, the Tang prospered through agricultural reforms, canal expansions from the Sui era, and vibrant trade networks that imported luxuries like horses and exported and , fostering urban growth and a class. Military strength derived from the fubing system, a of farmer-soldiers rotated for service, enabling conquests that secured tribute from nomadic groups and established protectorates in the . Culturally, the period saw advancements in poetry (e.g., works by and ), painting, and Buddhism's peak influence, with state patronage of monasteries and the of scriptures; techniques emerged late in the dynasty, aiding knowledge dissemination. Social mobility increased via the system, allowing commoners entry into officialdom based on Confucian . The (755–763 CE), led by the general against Emperor Xuanzong's court favoritism and frontier militarization, devastated the empire, causing an estimated 13–36 million deaths through warfare, famine, and disease, and fracturing central authority as regional gained autonomy. Despite suppression with Uighur allies, the uprising exposed vulnerabilities in the fubing system, leading to reliance on professional armies loyal to governors rather than the throne. Subsequent interference in politics, excessive taxation to fund campaigns, and natural disasters like floods exacerbated economic decline, eroding fiscal stability. By the late 9th century, eunuch cliques and military governors () dominated, culminating in the deposition of the last emperor, Ai of Tang, by in 907 CE, who founded the Later Liang dynasty and ushered in the Five Dynasties and Ten Kingdoms period of fragmentation. The dynasty's fall stemmed from overextension, internal power shifts post-rebellion, and failure to reform amid growing warlordism, though its administrative and cultural legacies influenced subsequent eras.

Pre-Imperial Tang States

The State of Tang (唐國 Táng Guó) was an early vassal state of the dynasty, enfeoffed in the 11th century BCE to Tang Shuyu, a son of , in the region of present-day southern province near the Fen River valley. This enfeoffment followed the defeat of the Xianyun nomads, granting Tang control over fertile lands previously under Zhou oversight, with its capital initially at Tang (modern Yicheng) before shifting to Jiang (near modern ). The state's establishment reflected Zhou's strategy of distributing territories to royal kin to secure loyalty and administer border areas against northern threats. Under early rulers like Tang Shuyu (r. ca. 1067–1001 BCE) and his successors, Tang maintained a defensive posture, focusing on agriculture, bronze production, and alliances with neighboring states such as Guo and Huo. By the reign of Marquis Li (r. ca. 857–832 BCE), the state expanded through military campaigns, absorbing smaller polities and adopting the name Jin (晉國) around 857 BCE to signify its growing power and shift toward a more aggressive regional role. This renaming marked Tang's transition from a minor fief to a dominant power in the Yellow River basin, with territory encompassing over 1,000 square kilometers by the Spring and Autumn period (771–476 BCE). As , the former Tang state rose to prominence during the , becoming one of the era's strongest powers under leaders like (r. 636–628 BCE), who achieved hegemony by defeating at the Battle of Chengpu in 632 BCE and leading coalitions against northern Rong tribes. Jin's military innovations, including large armies numbering up to 1,000 vehicles, and diplomatic maneuvers solidified its control over central plains tributaries, contributing to Zhou's nominal overlordship. Internal factionalism among the elite clans—Huan, Fan, and Xi—led to civil strife, culminating in the "Three Families' Partition" in 453 BCE, where the , and Wei families eliminated rivals and divided Jin's lands, formally recognized by Zhou in 403 BCE. This event ended the state of Jin (and its Tang origins), fragmenting it into the Three Jins, which played key roles in the until Qin's unification in 221 BCE. Minor polities bearing the Tang name existed concurrently or later, such as a Tang state in modern during the , but these were short-lived and subordinate, lacking the scale or influence of the Shanxi-based Tang/Jin. Archaeological evidence from sites like Houma in reveals Jin's administrative sophistication, including inscriptions and ritual bronzes affirming its continuity from Tang foundations. The legacy of this pre-imperial Tang persisted in nomenclature, as the (618–907 ) drew its name from Li Yuan's title as Duke of Tang, evoking the ancient state's prestige in the same region.

Food and Beverages

Tang (Powdered Drink Mix)

Tang is a fruit-flavored powdered beverage mix invented in 1957 by food scientist William A. Mitchell at General Foods Corporation and first marketed to consumers in 1959 as an orange-flavored breakfast drink. The product was designed for convenience, offering a shelf-stable alternative to fresh orange juice with added vitamin C to combat deficiencies, dissolving easily in water to produce a ready-to-drink beverage. Initial sales were modest, but its powdered form and nutritional fortification positioned it as a practical option for households seeking quick preparation without refrigeration. The product's association with NASA's space program significantly elevated its profile, beginning with its inclusion on John Glenn's Mercury-Atlas 6 mission in 1962, where it served as a lightweight, stable source of hydration and vitamins for astronauts. Contrary to popular myth, NASA did not invent Tang; General Foods supplied it as one of several commercial products tested for space suitability due to its ease of storage and reconstitution in zero gravity. This endorsement led to widespread marketing tying Tang to space exploration, boosting U.S. sales and embedding it in cultural memory as an "astronaut drink," though its use in later missions like the Space Shuttle era was limited compared to other beverages. Ownership of the Tang brand transferred through corporate changes: General Foods merged into , which spun off Mondelēz International in 2012, granting Mondelēz rights in most global markets while retained North American distribution. Available in over 30 countries, Tang offers flavors such as , , , and region-specific variants like or , tailored to local tastes and often fortified with additional minerals. Global sales reached $750 million in 2009, primarily from emerging markets in Asia, , and , peaking at over $1 billion annually by 2011 before stabilizing around $700 million. Compositionally, a typical 8-ounce serving of prepared Tang contains about 93% sugar by dry weight, along with citric acid, artificial colors (e.g., Yellow 5 and Red 40), flavors, and preservatives, delivering 100% of the daily recommended vitamin C but minimal other nutrients. Critics, including nutritionists, highlight its high added sugar (around 29 grams per serving) as a health risk, potentially contributing to obesity, dental issues, and blood sugar instability when consumed regularly as a juice substitute, with artificial additives raising separate concerns about long-term effects despite regulatory approval. Product recalls, such as Kraft Heinz's 2018 action on select batches due to possible glass or metal contamination, underscore manufacturing risks, though no widespread safety failures have been documented.

Tang in Culinary Contexts

In culinary terminology, tang denotes a sharp, distinctive, and often lingering profile characterized by or acidity, evoking a bright, piercing on the . This quality arises primarily from acidic compounds that stimulate receptors, distinguishing it from mere sourness by its complexity and ability to enhance underlying flavors without overwhelming them. The sensation of tang typically stems from organic acids prevalent in ingredients or produced through processes like . , abundant in citrus fruits such as lemons and , imparts a fresh, zesty tang that diminishes upon heating due to molecular breakdown. from or fermented sources delivers a sharper, vinegary edge, while in , , or aged cheeses contributes a milder, creamy tang. Malic acid in underripe fruits like green apples adds a crisp bite, and in grapes supports the tang in wines and reductions. amplifies tang by converting sugars into these acids; for instance, derives its characteristic tang from acting over days to weeks, yielding levels around 3.5-4.0. In cooking, tang serves to balance richer elements like fats, salts, and sweets, preventing monotony and elevating dish harmony—a rooted in . Chefs deploy it in vinaigrettes, where or cuts through oil for stability; in marinades, as acetic acid tenderizes proteins via reduction below 4.6; or in sauces like , where lemon juice counters butter's richness. It also preserves foods by inhibiting microbial growth, as seen in brines with 5% acetic acid concentrations. Overuse risks masking subtleties, but precise application—such as a of verjus in reductions—brightens meats or without dominating. Examples abound across global cuisines: In Mediterranean fare, tzatziki's yogurt-laced tang from complements grilled lamb; Southeast Asian nam pla () blends fermented tang with in curries; and in American , vinegar-based sauces provide tangy counterpoint to smoked , with recipes specifying 1-2 tablespoons per cup of base for optimal balance. Fermented in Korean dishes offers a spicy tang from gochugaru and , peaking after 3-5 days at 20-25°C. These applications underscore tang's versatility in amplifying freshness and structure in both savory and sweet contexts, such as where gels proteins at 1:1 ratios.

Geographical Locations

Locations in Europe

Tang is a small village in , , positioned along the N55 national secondary road connecting to in neighboring . The settlement lies at approximately 53°32′6″N 7°47′13″W and at an elevation of 41 meters, characteristic of the region's . As a half-parish, it encompasses rural areas with limited infrastructure, primarily serving local agricultural communities without notable urban development or historical landmarks documented in geographic records. In , Tang denotes a populated locality within Lemvig Municipality in the , situated in at coordinates 56°31′00″N 8°25′59″E and an elevation of 31 meters. This rural near Gudum features flat terrain typical of western , with no significant population data or economic hubs reported, aligning with Denmark's dispersed rural settlements. Local geography supports modest farming and proximity to coastal influences, though it lacks prominence in national records beyond basic cartographic notation.

Locations in Asia

Tang Valley, located in Bhutan's Bumthang District, lies approximately 11 kilometers northeast of town along a side road off the main Bumthang-Ura highway. The valley features traditional Bhutanese rural landscapes, including barley fields, pine forests, and several ancient monasteries such as Pema Tekchok Choling and Zangdo Pelri, with elevations reaching around 2,800 meters. In , Tang'an Village in Liping County, Province, serves as a preserved Dong ethnic minority settlement, noted for its primitive architecture, drum towers, and stone rice terraces spanning over 200 mu (about 13.3 hectares). Established centuries ago, it exemplifies traditional Dong stilt houses and water mills, with a of around 200 households as of recent records. Tangmo Ancient Village in Huangshan City, Anhui Province, dates its origins to the (618–907 CE) and is designated as a national 5A-level tourist site, renowned for its shuikou (waterfront) gardens and huizhou-style architecture integrated with waterways. Covering 2.5 square kilometers, it includes over 200 well-preserved residences and ancestral halls from the Ming and Qing dynasties, reflecting water management systems like sluice gates and stone bridges. Smaller localities named Tang appear in Pakistan, such as a village in , , situated at coordinates 32°22'0"N 74°34'0"E amid agricultural . Similarly, a locality exists in Lowgar , Afghanistan, at 34°11'45"N 69°46'8"E, in a mountainous region southeast of Kabul.

Other Locations

Tang is a locality in Upper Nile State, South Sudan, positioned near the settlements of Wunkwil and Nyabiong. In , Tangiwai constitutes a rural community within New Zealand's Ruapehu District in the Manawatū-Whanganui region. The area became historically significant following the on December 24, 1953, when a originating from Mount Ruapehu's crater lake breached a rail bridge, leading to the of a Wellington-to-Auckland and the loss of 151 lives out of 285 passengers and crew. A at the site commemorates the event, highlighting the geological hazards associated with the region's volcanic activity.

Personal Names

Tang as a Surname

Tang is the standard for the surnames 唐 (Táng) and 湯 (Tāng), both of ancient origin and prevalent among populations. The more common variant, Táng (唐), traces its roots to the ancient fiefdom of Tang (唐國), a small state during the (c. 1046–256 BCE) located in present-day Yicheng , province; this territory was granted to Di Ao, a descendant of the legendary emperor , and later associated with the lineage of , establishing the among clans. The 唐, meaning an open expanse or ancient place name, lent its name to the (618–907 ), though the ruling derived the dynastic title from their ancestral ties to the Tang rather than bearing the themselves. The less frequent Tāng (湯) originates from the posthumous title Cheng Tang (成湯), held by Lü (c. 1670–1587 BCE), the founder of the , whose name incorporated the 湯, denoting hot water or broth in ancient usage. This surname emerged among descendants or officials linked to the Shang royal house, with the later adopting literal meanings related to in classical texts. Both forms appear in historical records from the onward, with Táng gaining prominence through regional affiliations in northern before spreading southward via migration. In contemporary distribution, the surname Tang (encompassing both characters) is borne by over 12 million individuals in , ranking among the top 30 surnames there, with significant concentrations in provinces like and due to historical patterns. Overseas, it is common among diaspora communities, particularly in and ; in the United States, it ranked as the 1,108th most common in the census, with 34,961 bearers, over 93% identifying as Asian or Pacific Islander. Variants occur in other languages, such as Vietnamese Đường (for 唐) or Korean Dang, reflecting Sinospheric influences, though these are distinct in pronunciation and cultural context.

Notable Individuals

Tang Yin (1470–1524), Bohu, was a , , calligrapher, and of the , renowned for his landscape s, figure studies, and verses that often conveyed themes of personal struggle, solitude, and fleeting pleasure. Despite early academic promise, including topping provincial examinations in 1499, his career was derailed by a scandal involving examination officials, leading him to pursue art full-time in . Henry Tang Ying-yen (born September 6, 1952) is a businessman and politician who served as from 2007 to 2011, overseeing policy coordination, and as from 2003 to 2007, managing fiscal matters during economic recovery post-SARS. A member of the Executive Council since 1991, he later chaired the Authority, advancing arts infrastructure projects. Audrey Tang (born 1981), also known as Audrey Tang Shu-ying, is a Taiwanese software engineer and who served as in the Ministry of Digital Affairs from 2016 to May 2024, pioneering initiatives in civic tech, , and digital resilience against . Starting as a child prodigy hacker contributing to and projects by age 11, she advocated for collaborative governance models, including the vTaiwan platform for public policy deliberation.

USS Tang (Submarine)

USS Tang (SS-306) was a Balao-class diesel-electric submarine constructed by the Mare Island Navy Yard in Vallejo, California. She was laid down on 15 January 1943, launched on 17 August 1943, and commissioned on 15 October 1943 with Lieutenant Commander Richard H. O'Kane in command. Designed for extended underwater operations in the Pacific Theater, Tang displaced 1,870 tons on the surface and 2,391 tons submerged, with a length of 311 feet 7 inches and a top speed of 20.25 knots surfaced. During , Tang completed five war patrols from bases in , establishing a record of combat effectiveness unmatched by any other U.S. submarine. She was officially credited with sinking 31 merchant and naval vessels totaling 227,800 gross register tons, along with damaging two others for 4,100 tons. Her first patrol, from 22 January to 25 February 1944 in the Caroline and Mariana Islands, resulted in five sinkings, including the cargo ships Gyoten Maru and Fukuyama Maru. The second patrol, from 16 March to 22 May 1944 near the Palaus, Davao Gulf, and Truk, yielded no confirmed sinkings but involved rescuing 22 downed U.S. aviators. The third patrol, from 8 June to 28 July 1944 in the East China and Yellow Seas, was among the most destructive U.S. submarine operations of the war, sinking ten ships for 39,160 tons, such as the troop transport Tamahime Maru. The fourth patrol, from 31 July to 3 September 1944 off , accounted for five more sinkings, including the transport Tsukushi Maru (8,135 tons). On her fifth and final patrol, beginning 24 September 1944 from Pearl Harbor with a refueling stop at Midway, Tang targeted shipping in the Formosa Strait. She sank the freighters Joshu Go, Oita Maru, Kogen Maru, and Matsumoto Maru early in the patrol. On 24 October 1944, after expending 24 torpedoes successfully, O'Kane fired the submarine's last Mark 18 electric torpedo at a distant transport. The weapon malfunctioned, executing a circular run and striking Tang's starboard side near the aft torpedo room at approximately 180 feet depth, detonating and flooding the vessel. The submarine sank rapidly in the Taiwan Strait off Turnabout Island, China, with 69 of her 78 crew members lost. Nine survivors, including O'Kane, reached shore in a rubber raft after a 22-hour swim against currents and cold, only to be captured by Japanese patrol forces; eight were imprisoned, and O'Kane endured captivity until war's end. Tang received two Presidential Unit Citations and four battle stars for her service. O'Kane was awarded the on 26 March 1946 for "conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity" during the third through fifth patrols, particularly for pressing aggressive attacks despite risks. The submarine was stricken from the on 8 February 1945. Postwar analyses, including Joint Army-Navy Assessment Committee reviews, adjusted some wartime claims downward due to overestimations of tonnage and hits, but Tang's operational record remained exemplary in disrupting Japanese supply lines.

Other Vessels

USS Tang (SS-563) served as the of the Tang-class diesel-electric attack submarines, representing the U.S. Navy's initial postwar effort to develop high-speed hunter-killer submarines capable of speeds exceeding 18 knots submerged. Her was awarded to on May 16, 1947; keel laid April 18, 1949; launched June 19, 1951; and commissioned October 25, 1951. The vessel displaced 1,915 tons surfaced and 2,450 tons submerged, with a length of 270 feet and a crew of approximately 7 officers and 52 enlisted. She conducted training and fleet operations primarily along the U.S. East Coast and in the Mediterranean until her decommissioning in 1980, after which she was stricken from the on August 6, 1987, and transferred to as TCG Preveze (S-353) on August 17, 1987. The third U.S. Navy vessel to bear the name Tang, designated SSN-805, is a Block V Virginia-class nuclear-powered fast-attack submarine under construction for multi-mission roles including anti-submarine warfare, strike warfare, and intelligence gathering. Secretary of the Navy Kenneth J. Braithwaite announced her naming on November 18, 2020, honoring the legacy of the World War II submarine SS-306. Her keel was authenticated on August 17, 2023, at General Dynamics Electric Boat's Quonset Point facility in Rhode Island, marking her as the 32nd boat in the class. Expected to displace approximately 7,800 tons submerged, with a length of 377 feet and advanced Virginia Payload Module for increased Tomahawk missile capacity, SSN-805 is projected for delivery in the late 2020s following sea trials and commissioning.

Biology and Natural Phenomena

Tang (Surgeonfish)

Tangs, or surgeonfishes, are marine fish in the family , encompassing around 80 species of thin, deep-bodied tropical dwellers known for their vibrant coloration and defensive adaptations. These fish feature a pair of sharp, retractable spines located on the caudal peduncle, which can be erected like scalpels for slashing predators or rivals during territorial disputes; the "surgeonfish" moniker stems from this lancet-like structure, while "tang" serves as a common shorthand, particularly for popular aquarium species. Primarily herbivorous, tangs graze on benthic algae and detritus, with some omnivorous tendencies toward plankton in juveniles; for instance, the blue tang (Acanthurus coeruleus) consumes algae exclusively as an adult. They inhabit coral reefs, rocky substrates, and seagrass beds in tropical waters of the Indo-Pacific, Atlantic, and eastern Pacific, often in shallow, wave-exposed areas where algae proliferates. Diurnal and social, many form loose schools or defend territories aggressively, using their spines to inflict wounds on intruders. Notable species include the (Zebrasoma flavescens), which spawns around full moons and relies on for its diet while wielding a prominent caudal spine for protection, primarily around Hawaiian ; the powder blue tang (Acanthurus leucosternon), distinguished by its bright blue hues and similar herbivorous habits in ; and the convict tang (Acanthurus triostegus), one of the most abundant in the family, widespread across tropical Pacific and corals where it aggressively guards feeding territories. These play key ecological roles in reef control, preventing overgrowth that could smother corals, though overcollection for aquaria has prompted concerns in some regions.

Linguistic and Technical Meanings

Tang (Flavor or Odor)

"Tang" denotes a sharp, distinctive, and often lingering flavor or a pungent odor, evoking a stimulating or zestful quality in sensory experience. This term describes sensations such as the acidic bite in citrus fruits or the briny sharpness of seawater, distinguishing it from basic tastes like sweet or salty by its invigorating pungency. The word originates from tang, derived from tangi, meaning a point or , akin to concepts of or , and possibly linked to Proto-Germanic implying a biting action. By the , it had evolved to signify a piercing or , reflecting metaphorical extensions from physical points—like a knife's tang—to sensory . In sensory physiology, tang arises primarily from the interaction of acidic compounds or volatile aromatics with and olfactory receptors, often amplified by the trigeminal nerve's detection of or coolness. Sourness contributes via ions from acids activating specific channels on the , while odors perceived retronasally integrate to form perceived zest; for instance, lactic and acetic acids in produce its characteristic tang through microbial yielding these volatiles. accounts for up to 80% of perception, making tang a composite of gustatory and olfactory nuance rather than isolated . Common examples include the tangy profile of from acetic acid or the metallic tang in from iron compounds, both evoking a crisp, appetizing in culinary contexts. In environmental settings, the tang of resin stems from stimulating nasal receptors, underscoring tang's role in evoking freshness or intensity.

Tang (Tool Component)

In edged tools such as knives, swords, and chisels, the tang refers to the unsharpened extension of the blade that protrudes into or through the handle, enabling and distributing forces during use to maintain structural integrity. This component, often forged from the same as the blade, prevents separation under stress and influences the tool's , weight distribution, and overall durability. In engineering terms, the tang functions as a mechanical anchor, typically secured via pins, , or friction fit, with its design varying based on intended application—heavy chopping favors robust forms, while precision work prioritizes lighter configurations. Knife tangs are broadly classified into full and partial types, each with subtypes optimized for strength versus weight. A full tang extends the entire length of the and often matches its width, providing maximal rigidity and resistance to bending or twisting, as the metal backbone runs continuously from tip to . Subvariants include the hidden tang, where the full-length extension is sandwiched between handle scales without side visibility, reducing weight while retaining strength through encapsulation; the skeletonized tang, featuring cutouts to lighten the without sacrificing core support; and the extended tang, which protrudes beyond the handle to form a striking pommel. These designs excel in demanding tasks like butchery or survival use, where failure could be catastrophic, though they increase overall mass compared to partial alternatives. Partial tangs, by contrast, extend only partially into the , yielding lighter tools suitable for finesse-oriented applications like filleting or , but with inherent trade-offs in and under heavy lateral loads. Common subtypes are the rat-tail or stick tang, a narrow, tapered inserted into a for minimal weight; the push tang, a short wedged or peened into place; and the tapered tang, which narrows progressively for easier insertion but risks loosening over time without . Encapsulated partial tangs embed the extension within molded , blending with moderate , though empirical tests show they underperform full tangs in by up to 50% in high-stress scenarios. Selection depends on properties—high-carbon steels demand fuller tangs to counter —ensuring the tool's causal reliability in transmitting cutting forces without deformation. Beyond knives, tangs appear in woodworking tools like chisels and gouges, where the extension mounts into wooden handles via sockets or ferrules to absorb strikes, prioritizing over blade-like sharpness. In historical sword-making, tangs were peened or threaded for retention, evolving from designs around 3000 BCE to modern precision forging, underscoring their role in preventing catastrophic failures during combat or utility. Modern manufacturing standards, such as those in ASTM specifications for hand tools, emphasize tang dimensions for safety, with full tangs correlating to lower breakage rates in drop tests exceeding 10 feet. Overall, tang efficacy hinges on and fit, with inferior designs—often seen in budget imports—prone to , highlighting the need for verifiable in professional contexts.

Acronyms and Abbreviations

TANG

TANG is an most prominently associated with the U.S. Navy's Tactical Advancements for the Next Generation program, an initiative focused on applying design and to address challenges through human-centered . Established in 2011, the program employs multi-organizational teams to develop solutions involving physical and digital systems, customer interactions, and organizational processes, with resourcing provided through OPNAV N94 and execution by PEO Integrated Warfare Systems 5. In U.S. contexts, TANG has been used informally to abbreviate the (TX ANG), as seen in unit designations like the and operational references. Similarly, it abbreviates the (TN ANG), appearing in official recognitions and project descriptions for units such as the 134th Air Refueling Wing. Philosophically, TANG denotes the Transcendental Argument for the Non-existence of , a critique of formulated by atheist philosopher Michael Martin in the to argue that logical absolutes and do not presuppose divine but can arise naturalistically. This argument posits that if the transcendental argument for 's (TAG) relies on as necessary for logic, then non-theistic accounts suffice without invoking , rendering TAG unsound. It has been debated primarily in forums, with responses emphasizing circularity in Martin's .

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