Multiplex and unfolding: Computer simulation in particle physics

What kind of objects are computer programs used for simulation purposes in scientific settings? The current investigation treats a special case. It fo cuses on "event generators," the program packages that particle physicists construct and use to simulate mechanisms of particle production. The paper is an attempt to bring the multiplex and unfolding character of such knowle dge objects to the fore: Multiple meanings and functions are embodied in th e object and can be drawn out selectively according to the requirements of a work setting. The object's conceptual complexity governs its application in some contexts, while the object is considered a mere "black box," transp arent and ready-to-hand, in others. These two poles span a full spectrum of object aspects, functions, and conceptions. Event generators are ideas tur ned into software, testing grounds for models, just a tool to study the per formance of a detector, etc. The object's multiplex nature is submitted to negotiation among different actors.