Analog Computation in the Man Made Fibre Industry

Abstract

Summary This article first deals with the principles of analog computation, and the concept of simulation of physical systems on analog computers is explained. Attention is paid to recent developments of analog computers, viz. the parallel logic and the full hybrid expansions. Several applications of analog computation in our branch of industry are mentioned. A division is made into production, design, fundamental research and “miscellaneous”. Some remarks on our way of tacking problems in each of these areas are made. It is concluded that for such applications an analog computer should be installed in a physico-technical environment with a dedicated staff of engineers. A brief discussion is devoted to the comparison between hybrid and purely digital computation that we have made in practice by solving a large technological problem. In the case considered a substantial cost reduction in problem solving could be obtained by a hybrid approach. Our expectations for the future development of analog computation in industry are mentioned briefly. Problem complexity will increase, and so there will be a need for larger computers and more hybridization. However, the automation of problem solving involves the risk that the flexibility, which is the main characteristic of analog computers nowadays, is lost. In the appendix two applications are treated in more detail. The first is concerned with the dynamic behaviour of a viscose room system. The analysis given has resulted in an important reduction of the amount of waste when tre plant is started or stopped. The second example is the simulation of a friction tester, a measuring device for determining the yarn friction coefficient.