Differential analyzers [Scanning Our Past]

Some of the most difficult problems in science and technology involve solving equations relating to complex physical situations, such as predicting the heights of tides, designing antenna systems for radio communication, creating a reliable electrical power grid, solving problems in nuclear physics, and accurately predicting where an artillery shell would fall. These problems were only capable of being solved when mechanical analog devices were invented to aid in the solution of differential equations. The creation of the differential analyzer in the first half of the 20th century was a breakthrough that allowed for advances in these and many other areas. The development of the differential analyzer is chronicled. [This is essentially a reprint based on the IEEE Global History Network´s STARS articles. STARS is an online compendium of invited, peer-reviewed articles on the history of major developments in electrical and computer science and technology. Some light editing has been done, along with the addition of a few illustrations, to make the Proceedings article more suitable for a journal publication. Please refer to the STARS website for additional information and to view the full article: http://www.ieeeghn.org/wiki/index.php/STARS:Differential_Analyzers.]