A special-purpose electric analog computer and its application to the solution of certain nonlinear differential equations

Citation

Howard, Robert Charles (1953) A special-purpose electric analog computer and its application to the solution of certain nonlinear differential equations. Dissertation (Ph.D.), California Institute of Technology. http://resolver.caltech.edu/CaltechETD:etd-05062003-110154

Abstract

This thesis consists of three parts. (1) An analog computer investigation was made of certain phenomena that can be found among the solutions of a simple nonlinear differential equation. (2) An arbitrary function generator and associated equipment were developed to be used in the solution of more difficult nonlinear equations such as those representing nonlinear servomechanisms. This function generator operates on the logarithmic principle and can be likened to an electronic slide rule. (3) The operation of the function generator was demonstrated by forming a nonlinear computer using the generator and other active and passive circuit elements. This computer was used to investigate the solutions to several modifications of Van der Pol's equation.

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