Who invented the differential analyzer

The computer is designed to solve a known differential equation gravitational field equation with resistance, like in the case of a parachute. How do you do it? Well, you force a relation between the output of one integrator and the input of the second one.

In the above example we have two integrators — I and II, one input device at the top , and one output device at the bottom. These are long rotating axles, which can be likened to wires between adjacent components. The connections of the first integrator are easy to understand, so we will follow the connections of the second integrator.

Now the forced relation between the wheel connection and arm connection of the second integrator is exactly the equation that we need to solve. You can see it is powerful, simple, and works quickly. In fact, the differential analyzer was used in World War II for computations of missile trajectories. In , Bush and Caldwell presented a new version of the computer, in which an electronic device replaced the mechanical torque amplifier.

By that time, electronic analog computers had replaced most mechanical computers. Soon after, the digital computer reappeared, along with the realization that discretization of variables is the right way to solve differential equations.

The differential analyzers soon disappeared completely, and can now be found only in museums or in private collections. Bush, Instrumental Analysis, Bull. Volume 42, Number 10 , About the author: Boaz Tamir holds a Ph. In he recived a second Ph. Boaz holds a Ph. His main interest is in number theory. For the last several years he has researched quantum physics. His thesis was written on quantum computers. Boaz is also interested in popular science and S.

He is teaching some courses in S. S and philosophy of science in the Bezalel Academy of Art. He also holds a B. Not so much. For simplicity's sake, we will say that to find his speed he needs to know how fast gravity is dragging him down minus how the degree of air resistance pushing back in the other direction.

But wait: It seems that in order to determine his velocity he needs to … already know his velocity? This type of seemingly endless circular equation is the scourge of many an undergrad and the great gatekeeper of that torturous realm they call calculus. Want more insight into the history of the computer? Check out Calvin's other articles in this series: WItC? Series Introduction WItC?

Charles Babbage WItC? Ada Lovelace WItC? Lord Kelvin WItC? Vannevar Bush WItC? Alan Turing WItC? Tommy Flowers WItC? Thomas Watson Jr. Ivan Sutherland WItC?

John G. He manages to fix his suit milliseconds before hitting the ground, earning the awe of onlookers, and soars back up into the sky to grapple with the forces of evil. A Device to Do the Heavy Mathematical Lifting The surprising thing is that differential equations pop up a lot more in our lives than we even realize. From superconductors to cancer treatment, the development of many of the technologies and advances we currently enjoy have been dependent on our ability to solve differential equations.

Often the deeper into science we go, the more complex the equations become, and the more computing power we need to solve them. Bush may be best remembered, however, for his prescient, influential essay "As We May Think," in which he elaborated a vision that prefigured the development of hypertext and other elements of the World Wide Web.

Induction Event Collegiate Inventors Event. US Patent No. Born March 11, - Died June 28,