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.

  • #2,461
I give up, I don't know!
 
Computer science news on Phys.org
  • #2,462
1946: Creation of the ENIAC (Electronic Numerical Integrator and Computer) by P. Eckert and J Mauchly.The programming of this calculator is carried out while recablant between them, its various elements. Composed of 19000 tubes, it weighs 30 tons, occupies a surface of 72 m2 and consumes 140 kilowatts. Clock: 100 Khz. Speed: approximately 330 multiplications a second :

http://www.library.upenn.edu/exhibits/rbm/mauchly/jwm0-1.html
 
  • #2,463
Anybody get deja vu?
 
  • #2,464
wolram said:
It was 10 feet tall, occupied 1,000 square feet of floor- space, weighed in at approximately 30 tons, and used more than 70,000 resistors, 10,000 capacitors, 6,000 switches, and 18,000 vacuum tubes. The final machine required 150 kilowatts of power, which was enough to light a small town.
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what was it?
For all of that, it didn't have the horsepower of a programable hand calulator today.:bugeye:
 
  • #2,465
As claimed, it was a cross between that of Catherine Hepburn, Truman Capote, and Hal, the computer from the movie, 2001. What was it?
 
  • #2,466
Ivan Seeking said:
As claimed, it was a cross between that of Catherine Hepburn, Truman Capote, and Hal, the computer from the movie, 2001. What was it?

"Hello Clarice."
 
  • #2,467
Correct! It was the voice of Hannibal Lecter.

Personally, I think he should have thrown in a little Tom Snyder.
 
  • #2,468
This natural object gave someone the idea for parallel processing.
 
  • #2,469
zoobyshoe said:
This natural object gave someone the idea for parallel processing.
The brain?
 

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