Difference between revisions of "Michelson's Harmonic Analyzer"
(Created page with "Albert Michelson's Harmonic Analyzer is a mechanical calculator that can perform Fourier analysis of sample functions. With only gears and other mechanisms, this mechanical co...") |
|||
| Line 1: | Line 1: | ||
| − | Albert Michelson's Harmonic Analyzer is a mechanical calculator that can perform Fourier analysis of | + | Albert Michelson's Harmonic Analyzer is a nineteenth century mechanical calculator that can perform Fourier analysis of given functions. With only gears and other mechanisms, this computer is capable of producing a function given its Fourier coefficients (synthesis); and inversely, computing the Fourier coefficients of a sample function (analysis). |
The device was designed in 1897 by the physicist Albert Michelson, and several models were manufactured and sold by William Gaertner & Co. One of the original machines was kept in the University of Illinois. In 2014, this machine was restored by Bill Hammack [http://www.engineerguy.com/], renowning the artifact in some media. | The device was designed in 1897 by the physicist Albert Michelson, and several models were manufactured and sold by William Gaertner & Co. One of the original machines was kept in the University of Illinois. In 2014, this machine was restored by Bill Hammack [http://www.engineerguy.com/], renowning the artifact in some media. | ||
Latest revision as of 01:48, 20 November 2014
Albert Michelson's Harmonic Analyzer is a nineteenth century mechanical calculator that can perform Fourier analysis of given functions. With only gears and other mechanisms, this computer is capable of producing a function given its Fourier coefficients (synthesis); and inversely, computing the Fourier coefficients of a sample function (analysis).
The device was designed in 1897 by the physicist Albert Michelson, and several models were manufactured and sold by William Gaertner & Co. One of the original machines was kept in the University of Illinois. In 2014, this machine was restored by Bill Hammack [1], renowning the artifact in some media.
Main page of the project: [2]. Videos on Youtube: [3] [4] [5] [6] (extras:[7] [8] [9]). Book: [10].
