The World's Largest Computer in 1951

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around historical and technical aspects of significant machines and vehicles, including the ENIAC computer and the Russian Ekranoplan. Participants engage in a quiz-like format, posing questions and providing hints about various inventions, their specifications, and historical context.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested
  • Technical explanation

Main Points Raised

  • One participant describes the ENIAC, detailing its size, weight, components, and power consumption, while noting its limited processing power compared to modern devices.
  • Another participant identifies the ENIAC as the machine described in the previous post.
  • Participants discuss a large vehicle that weighs 540 tons, can travel over land and water, and is hinted to be built in Russia, leading to speculation about its identity.
  • Some participants propose that the vehicle in question is the Russian Ekranoplan, explaining its design and operational principles related to ground effect.
  • There is a discussion about a vehicle that achieved over 188 miles per gallon, with participants speculating on its type and historical significance, including a mention of a Harley Davidson motorcycle from 1908.
  • One participant describes a crude device involving a wooden stand, a funnel, acid, and copper wire, prompting further questions about its purpose.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on the identity of some machines, particularly the vehicle that achieved high fuel efficiency, as various guesses and clarifications are made. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the specifics of some inventions and their historical context.

Contextual Notes

Participants express uncertainty about the specifications and classifications of the vehicles discussed, particularly regarding the Ekranoplan's operational capabilities and the fuel efficiency claims of the motorcycle.

Who May Find This Useful

Individuals interested in the history of computing, engineering innovations, and the evolution of vehicle technology may find this discussion engaging.

  • #1,411
Andy said:
silly tossars.
Don't start! Could take me months to figure out what "tossars" are!
 
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  • #1,412
The results of this experiment were so conclusive that the last doubters of atomic theory were forced to surrender. What was the experiment?
 
  • #1,413
A still...?

correct.
 
  • #1,414
brewnog said:
No worries, I'm still happy that we are allowed to say "wanker" in here without Evo telling us off!
That's nuthin'; I seem to remember you getting away with 'twat'.

zoobyshoe said:
The results of this experiment were so conclusive that the last doubters of atomic theory were forced to surrender. What was the experiment?
Hiroshima?
 
  • #1,415
Danger said:
Hiroshima?
Negatory..
 
  • #1,416
Rutherford and his gold foil?

I'm just saying that because I had an exam in his lecture hall the other day.
 
  • #1,417
brewnog said:
Rutherford and his gold foil?

I'm just saying that because I had an exam in his lecture hall the other day.
Good reason. Wrong experiment.
 
  • #1,418
Curie's radium salts and film discovery?
 
  • #1,419
Danger said:
Curie's radium salts and film discovery?
No. But I'd say everyone's in the right, very general, ballpark.
 
  • #1,420
!911 Rutherford used alpha particle beam to test for atomic structure
he termed the center of the atom, nucleus.
 
  • #1,421
wolram said:
!911 Rutherford used alpha particle beam to test for atomic structure
he termed the center of the atom, nucleus.
Brewnog already guessed Rutherford.

You guys are thinking too positively. Think negative.
 
  • #1,422
Thomson and his CRT?
 
  • #1,423
You guys are thinking too positively. Think negative.

Ok, there is no way i can crack this one.
 
  • #1,424
brewnog said:
Thomson and his CRT?
Nope. Still right ball park.
 
  • #1,425
Chadwick and his cloud chambers?
 
  • #1,426
Ions were first theorized by Michael Faraday around 1830, to describe the portions of molecules that travel either to an anode or to a cathode.
 
  • #1,427
brewnog said:
Chadwick and his cloud chambers?
No.
wolram said:
Ions were first theorized by Michael Faraday around 1830, to describe the portions of molecules that travel either to an anode or to a cathode.
Also no.
 
  • #1,428
The experiment involved a short focus telescope.
 
  • #1,429
William Crooke's vacuum tubes?
 
  • #1,430
brewnog said:
William Crooke's vacuum tubes?
No. The experiment also involved an electric field.
 
  • #1,431
Millikan's Oil Drop!
 
  • #1,432
brewnog said:
Millikan's Oil Drop!
Indeed!
 
  • #1,433
Woo! Throw enough cack around and some of it's bound to stick!


Ok, I've almost got a good clue coming up...
 
  • #1,434
brewnog said:
Woo! Throw enough cack around and some of it's bound to stick!


Ok, I've almost got a good clue coming up...
I thought that was your clue.
 
  • #1,435
Danger said:
I thought that was your clue.

Nah, that would have been too easy. (Artman's bedroom again, I believe).

Ok.

What is shown in the picture?

http://personalpages.umist.ac.uk/student/E.Smith-2/whatisthis.jpg
 
Last edited by a moderator:
  • #1,436
Freshly harvested cauliflowers
 
  • #1,437
zoobyshoe said:
Freshly harvested cauliflowers

No.

But I was hoping you'd say that. :smile:
 
  • #1,438
A fun intermediary question to pass the time

This is a rehash of an older question

When I first stated I was 18436572 then I went to 18726543, my cousin started at 15426378 then went to 13726548, and a third cousin of mine has stayed at 18436572. What am I and who are my cousins?

enjoy
 
  • #1,439
Freshly sheered wool
 
  • #1,440
zoobyshoe said:
Freshly sheered wool
Nope. :smile:
 

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