Equal bar lengths

[Andrew Bernard]

Dear list,

I am working on scores by a contemporary composer of the new complexity 
school (although I don't like such labels, it is a fair description). 
The notation is dense and complex. One characteristic the composer 
insists on is having beatmarks (I implement this with mensurstriche 
layout) at exactly ruled equal distances in his scores. I regard this as 
similar to notating on graph paper, with distance indicating scaled 
time. Not sure I agree with this, but it's something the composer desires.

The question is therefore, is there any way to make bars have equal 
length in lilypond, equal width on the paper, regardless of the number 
of notes and objects in the bar? I _know_ this cuts against all the 
principles of fine engraving, but surprisingly, it looks OK in the dense 
handwritten manuscripts.

Andrew