© 1964 by British Computer Society
| ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
A study of the solution of an initial-value problem with a hybrid computer
Analogue Studies Group, Central Electricity Generating Board, 157-168 Blackfriars Road, London, UK
In the solution of problems involving partial differential equations the analogue computer has for a long time suffered a disadvantage; namely, the lack of a large store and of logical devices, which would enable iterative techniques to be used. This state of affairs is now being rectified by several analogue computer manufacturers in varying degrees, their products being called hybrid computers.
This paper looks into the possibility of the solution on a hybrid of a particular type of initial-value problem involving partial differential equations, that has for some time been studied at the C.E.G.B. Analogue Computation Centre at Friars House: namely, reactor fault studies on a single channel in the flattened zone of a nuclear reactor. So far the difference-methods employed have of necessity involved a coarse mesh; with the hybrid the mesh can be made finer, thus presenting a better approximation. The paper then poses a simplified problem, and the errors involved in two methods of solution that could be used on the hybrid computer are assessed and compared with those of the corresponding methods that would be used on the digital computer.
* * Analogue Studies Group, Central Electricity Generating Board, 157–168 Blackfairs Road, London, S.E.1