An analog/hybrid computer for the solution of partial differential equations

The design of a specialized analog/hybrid computer for the solution of partial differential equations was investigated. The solution is computed with an analog computer controlled by a digital computer. The system designed has low cost and low accuracy. The interconnection of analog elements required for a general class of PDE's was derived. Several types of digitally set potentiometers were compared and the one selected was designed into a basic module. If the pot is used as a multiplier (with one digital input and one analog input) the speed of the integrator is severely limited by the time required for the digital computer to generate the necessary multiplication