Einstein and Bergman - Work in WW-II

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around the involvement of Albert Einstein and Peter Bergmann in underwater sound research during World War II. Participants explore the historical context and contributions of both figures to this field, particularly in relation to submarine detection technologies.

Discussion Character

  • Historical
  • Exploratory

Main Points Raised

  • One participant notes Einstein's role in founding the National Defense Research Committee (NDRC) and mentions its focus on electronic discrimination of acoustic signals, likely for submarine detection, but expresses uncertainty about Einstein's direct involvement in the work.
  • Another participant provides background on Peter Bergmann, indicating he worked with Einstein and engaged in war research on underwater sound at Columbia University and the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution from 1944 to 1947.
  • Additional references are shared about Bergmann's academic contributions and awards, suggesting a significant connection to Einstein and the field of underwater acoustics.
  • There is a mention of a publication by Einstein related to underwater sonic ray tracing, raising questions about the relevance of this work to the discussion.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree that both Einstein and Bergmann had roles related to underwater sound research during WWII, but the specifics of their contributions and the extent of their involvement remain unclear and are subject to further exploration.

Contextual Notes

Some claims about the timeline and nature of the research are not fully substantiated, and there are references to lost sources, indicating potential gaps in the information presented.

pmb
A friend of mine asked me this question
Did Einstein, as well as Bergmann, consult on underwater sound during WW II?
Does anyone know the answer?

Thanks

Pete
 
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Einstein was instrumental in the founding of the National Defense Research Committee (NDRC). One of its first big projects was electronic discrimination of accoustic signals - probably for submarine detection. I don't recall Einstein doing any of the work though.

Who is Bergmann?

Njorl
 
"From 1941-1944, Professor Bergmann taught at Black Mountain College and at Lehigh University. From 1944-1947, he was engaged in war research on underwater sound at Columbia University and the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution"

Nuts! I lost the site I cut this from.

Oh well, it's out there somewhere.

Njorl
 
Some more:

APS: 2003 Einstein Prize to Peter G. Bergmann Syracuse University (retired) --->
http://www.aps.org/praw/einstein/03winner1.html

-----------
a result of searching:

Einstein, PA. 1975. Underwater sonic ray tracing in three dimensions. Journal of sound and vibration. 42 (4) pp503-508

Albert Einstein Medical Center
5501 Old York Rd
Philadelphia PA 19141

Just a coincidence?
 

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