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analogue computing....

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ablomov
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09 Sep 2008, 4:01 pm

....differential analysers, op amps. I can't do the maths yet I am fascinated by these subjects, anyone else?

The idea of a circular disc and contact wheel modelling a differential equation really tickles me. Yet I am challenged mathematically. With the right brain mllsorts of growth and decay can be modelled. River erosion, car front suspension, goodness knows.

Nowadays op amps are simple to build - a good maths project - does anyone anywhere?

Interestingly they can be mechanical or electronic. Gerge w's grandfather Vannevar Bush was a big mover in developing analogue computing in the States. Fantastic material here for a book.



Last edited by ablomov on 10 Sep 2008, 3:34 pm, edited 1 time in total.

Fuzzy
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10 Sep 2008, 2:39 am

In high school I had access to a analogue computer. Nobody was using it though, as the 8088 was the big thing. I too failed to see the ultimate coolness in it.


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ruveyn
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08 Feb 2009, 3:11 am

ablomov wrote:
....differential analysers, op amps. I can't do the maths yet I am fascinated by these subjects, anyone else?

The idea of a circular disc and contact wheel modelling a differential equation really tickles me. Yet I am challenged mathematically. With the right brain mllsorts of growth and decay can be modelled. River erosion, car front suspension, goodness knows.

Nowadays op amps are simple to build - a good maths project - does anyone anywhere?

Interestingly they can be mechanical or electronic. Gerge w's grandfather Vannevar Bush was a big mover in developing analogue computing in the States. Fantastic material here for a book.


Analog computers are cool but they lack resolution and accuracy. If you want an answer to 12 decimal places you have to go digital.

ruveyn



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08 Feb 2009, 7:53 am

If anyone wants to see some: In the Science Museum in London they are some analogue computers on display: Impressive and huge machines, which are able to solve differential equitations by means of wheels and gears.



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08 Feb 2009, 7:56 am

Dussel wrote:
If anyone wants to see some: In the Science Museum in London they are some analogue computers on display: Impressive and huge machines, which are able to solve differential equitations by means of wheels and gears.


Now that would be a fun (albeit extensive) Mechanical Engineering senior project.