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Created in 1936 by scientist Vladimir Lukyanov, the first analog computer used tanks, pumps and pipes to solve complex calculations, revolutionizing areas such as civil construction, geology and rocket engineering in the Soviet Union.
A computer that runs on water? Well, that happened almost a century ago! In 1936, Russian scientist Vladimir Lukyanov created the Water Integrator, a revolutionary machine for solving complex mathematical problems using nothing less than tanks, pumps and pipes filled with water.
It may sound like science fiction, but this invention was a watershed — literally — in the history of computing. Let's understand how such a peculiar analog computer came to be and how it shaped entire industries.
The Water Integrator: a milestone in the history of computing
Lukyanov was facing a major challenge: how to solve complex differential equations related to concrete construction? He noticed that the flow of water followed similar physical laws to the distribution of heat, and that was when he had a brilliant idea. Why not use water itself to simulate these thermal processes?
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The result was the Water Integrator, a machine capable of performing extremely advanced calculations, long before digital computers came onto the scene.
Instead of chips and transistors, the Water Integrator used interconnected tanks, pumps, and pipes to move water. The position and flow of the water represented mathematical variables, while adjustments to the components allowed the equations to be solved. It was as if the water “thought,” flowing to find the answers.
Practical applications: from concrete to rocket engineering
Initially, the Water Integrator was used to study cracks in concrete under different weather conditions. This helped prevent failures in large structures and ensured safety on important construction sites.
Over time, the machine proved its worth in fields such as thermal physics, geology, and even rocket engineering. Ambitious Soviet projects such as the Baikal-Amur Mainline Railway benefited directly from the Water Integrator's computing power.
The role of Water Integrator in the Baikal-Amur Mainline Railway
Even with the advancement of digital computing, the Water Integrator remained relevant for decades. In the 1970s, it played a key role in the planning of the Baikal-Amur Railway, a strategic project for the Soviet Union.
Today, the Water Integrator is more than a relic; it is a symbol of human ingenuity. It can be found at the Polytechnic Museum in Moscow, where it inspires visitors to rethink the limits of technological creativity.
The future of aquatic computing?
Nowadays, the idea of using water in computing is still not far behind. A recent example is a gaming PC designed to be cooled underwater. Like the Water Integrator, this modern invention demonstrates how water remains a surprising element in technology.
Are we on the verge of a new era in computing, where natural elements once again play a central role?
