Differential analyzer
E1
The Differential Analyzer is an early analog mechanical computer designed to solve differential equations using interconnected rotating shafts and wheels.
Statements (49)
| Predicate | Object |
|---|---|
| instanceOf |
analog computer
→
computing device → mechanical computer → |
| computes |
numerical approximations
→
solutions to ordinary differential equations → |
| hasInputType |
continuous variables
→
|
| hasLimitation |
complex setup for each problem
→
limited precision → sensitivity to mechanical error → |
| hasNotableImplementationAt |
Osaka Imperial University
→
University of Manchester → University of Pennsylvania → |
| hasOutputType |
continuous variables
→
|
| hasPrimaryFunction |
solve differential equations
→
|
| hasRepresentationIn |
science and technology museums
→
|
| influenced |
early digital computer design
→
later analog computers → |
| inspiredBy |
mechanical integrators of Lord Kelvin
→
|
| isAnalogOrDigital |
analog
→
|
| isExampleOf |
continuous-time computation
→
|
| isMechanicalOrElectronic |
mechanical
→
|
| operatesBy |
translating rotation into mathematical operations
→
|
| performsOperation |
addition
→
integration → |
| predecessor |
harmonic analyzer
→
planimeter → |
| requires |
calibration
→
manual configuration of shafts and gears → |
| solvesBy |
physical modeling of mathematical relationships
→
|
| usedFor |
ballistics calculations
→
control systems analysis → electrical network analysis → engineering analysis → scientific computation → |
| usesComponent |
disk-and-wheel integrator
→
gear trains → integrator unit → interconnected rotating shafts → mechanical linkages → mechanical wheels → |
| usesComputationMethod |
mechanical integration
→
|
| wasDevelopedAt |
Massachusetts Institute of Technology
→
|
| wasDevelopedBy |
Harold Hazen
→
Vannevar Bush → |
| wasDevelopedInCountry |
United States
→
|
| wasDevelopedInPeriod |
early 20th century
→
|
| wasFirstBuiltInYear |
1930
→
|
| wasImportantIn |
history of computing
→
|
| wasSupersededBy |
digital computers
→
|
Referenced by (1)
| Subject (surface form when different) | Predicate |
|---|---|
|
Vannevar Bush
→
|
notableWork |