The World's Largest Computer in 1951

  • Thread starter Thread starter wolram
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Computer
Click For Summary

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.

  • #1,441
snow-ball bush flowers
 
Computer science news on Phys.org
  • #1,442
Argentum Vulpes said:
snow-ball bush flowers

What?! No.
 
  • #1,443
Fungal/bacterial colony thingies grown in a lab?
 
  • #1,444
harvested cotton?
 
  • #1,445
Lint bundles from a towel washing service?
 
  • #1,446
A failed early attempt at microwave popcorn?
 
  • #1,447
it looks like a bunch of starfish...
 
  • #1,448
Some kind of food/dumpling dough ready to be cooked.
 
  • #1,449
young zoobies...
 
  • #1,450
Argentum Vulpes said:
harvested cotton?

Yes!

Very good.

To put it in context, here's the full picture.

http://www.france.diplomatie.fr/label_france/ENGLISH/ART/aerienne/pics/01.jpg

Copyright belongs to Yann Arthus-Bertrand, a French aerial photographer. I highly recommend his book, - "The Earth from the Air"
 
Last edited by a moderator:
  • #1,451
OK. Argentum's clue was the firing order of some sort of V-8 engine.
 
  • #1,452
wasn't that one already done?
 
  • #1,453
yomamma said:
wasn't that one already done?

Yeah, he said it was a re-hashed pearoast.
 
  • #1,454
zoobyshoe said:
OK. Argentum's clue was the firing order of some sort of V-8 engine.

You are on the right track.

yomamma said:
wasn't that one already done?

Yes like I said it was for kicks and giggles while we hashed on brewnog's question. I'm on my lunch break so I'll have an actual question later tonight, just need to cheeck some facts, obfuscate, and google proof it. :biggrin:
 
  • #1,455
obfuscate
Thats tricky, be careful
 
  • #1,456
I'm off work so here is my clue for this fun and exciting game...

I was painted with a dope.

Have fun. :biggrin:
 
  • #1,457
Silicon semiconductor?
 
  • #1,458
You think I'd make it that easy? IOW nope. It dose fall inbetween the discovery of the semiconductor and it's mass production.
 
  • #1,459
Urrm, a ruby rod for a diode laser?
 
  • #1,460
nope and think along other lines, If you want in a bit I'll float another clue
 
  • #1,461
Sure, go and wreck it by including a time frame. I was thinking of fabric aircraft fusilages.
 
  • #1,462
LSD blotter paper
 
  • #1,463
Ivan Seeking said:
LSD blotter paper
So that's why you have that glazed look all the time...
 
  • #1,464
Danger said:
So that's why you have that glazed look all the time...


That's nice of you to notice, but no, I get my complexion from one of my mothers.
 
  • #1,465
Ivan Seeking said:
I get my complexion from one of my mothers.
Yeah, I imagine that a guy like you must have gotten passed around a lot as an embryo. Which one got stuck with giving birth?
 
  • #1,466
Is anyone around??


I need someone to entertain me! Entertain me!
 
  • #1,467
This is why I keep pushing to keep two questions running. This helps to keep the thread active.

I think Moonbear is due a question.
 
  • #1,468
honestrosewater said:
I need someone to entertain me! Entertain me!
Yes, Audrey... :rolleyes:
 
  • #1,469
Sorry for taking so long to respond.

Danger said:
Sure, go and wreck it by including a time frame. I was thinking of fabric aircraft fusilages.

how dose including a time frame wreck it, you might be onto something, hint hint.

Ivan Seeking said:
LSD blotter paper.

Wow that came in from left field.

And I do have an easy intermediary question (post 1438)
 
  • #1,470
Argentum Vulpes said:
how dose including a time frame wreck it, you might be onto something, hint hint.
A model aeroplane?
 

Similar threads

Is Alan Turing given too much credit when it comes to computers?
  • · Replies 29 ·
Replies
29
Views
5K
How to compute flexure and failure loads of acrylic sheets
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
15K