Fluidics, or fluidic logic, is the use of a fluid to perform analog or digital operations similar to those performed with electronics.
The physical basis of fluidics is pneumatics and hydraulics, based on the theoretical foundation of fluid dynamics. The term fluidics is normally used when devices have no moving parts, so ordinary hydraulic components such as hydraulic cylinders and spool valves are not considered or referred to as fluidic devices. The 1960s saw the application of fluidics to sophisticated control systems, with the introduction of the fluidic amplifier.
A jet of fluid can be deflected by a weaker jet striking it at the side. This provides nonlinear amplification, similar to the transistor used in electronic digital logic.
Fluidics in 1632[]
Grantville's libraries contained some information on fluidics. While fluidics was a niche technology in the 20th century, it attracted down-time attention because it was seen as something that could be done in the near term.
By mid-1634, fluidics-based calculatiors known as "aqualators" were being produced and sold commercially.[1] Most commercial development was being done by Dr. Charles Wetmore's company, Wetmore Aquatic Computers, but the Computer Club at Grantville's technical school was also working on them. The Computer Club had developed an aqualator that could print its results, and was even working on a programmable aqualator.
In November of 1634, Blaise Pascal had independently developed the basic principles of hydraulic computing devices, and was working on creating a true computer.[2] As of April of 1636, he had not yet succeeded.[3]
References[]
- ↑ Grantville Gazette XL, "Catrin's Calling"; Grantville Gazette XLII, "Our Man in Grantville".
- ↑ Grantville Gazette XXX, "Blaise Pascal and the Adders of Apraphul".
- ↑ Grantville Gazette XLVI, "The Things We Do For Love".