Analog Computer - Practical Examples

Practical Examples

These are examples of analog computers that have been constructed or practically used:

  • Antikythera mechanism
  • astrolabe
  • differential analyzer
  • Deltar
  • Kerrison Predictor
  • Librascope, aircraft weight and balance computer
  • mechanical integrators, for example, the planimeter
  • MONIAC Computer (hydraulic model of UK economy)
  • nomogram
  • Norden bombsight
  • Rangekeeper and related fire control computers
  • Scanimate
  • slide rule
  • tide-predicting machine
  • Torpedo Data Computer
  • Leonardo Torres y Quevedo's Analogue Calculating Machines based on "fusee sans fin"
  • Torquetum
  • Water integrator
  • Mechanical computer
  • Boeing B-29 Superfortress Central Fire Control System

Analog (audio) synthesizers can also be viewed as a form of analog computer, and their technology was originally based in part on electronic analog computer technology. The ARP 2600's Ring Modulator was actually a moderate-accuracy analog multiplier.

The Simulation Council (or Simulations Council) was an association of analog computer users in USA. It is now known as the The Society of Modeling and Simulation International. The Simulation Council newsletters from 1952 to 1963 are available online and show the concerns and technologies at the time, and the common use of analog computers for missilry.

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