Charles Proteus Steinmetz

Charles Proteus Steinmetz
Born
Karl August Rudolph Steinmetz

(1865-04-09)April 9, 1865
DiedOctober 26, 1923(1923-10-26) (aged 58)
Schenectady, New York, United States
Resting placeVale Cemetery
NationalityAmerican
Alma materUniversity of Breslau
Union College (doctorate)
Occupation(s)Mathematician and electrical engineer
Known for
AwardsElliott Cresson Medal (1913)
Cedergren Medal (1914)
Scientific career
InstitutionsUnion College

Charles Proteus Steinmetz (born Karl August Rudolph Steinmetz; April 9, 1865 – October 26, 1923) was an American mathematician and electrical engineer and professor at Union College. He fostered the development of alternating current that made possible the expansion of the electric power industry in the United States, formulating mathematical theories for engineers. He made ground-breaking discoveries in the understanding of hysteresis that enabled engineers to design better electromagnetic apparatus equipment, especially electric motors for use in industry.[1][2][a]

At the time of his death, Steinmetz held over 200 patents.[3] A genius in both mathematics and electronics, he did work that earned him the nicknames "Forger of Thunderbolts"[4] and "The Wizard of Schenectady".[5] Steinmetz's equation,[6] Steinmetz solids, Steinmetz curves, and Steinmetz equivalent circuit[7] are all named after him, as are numerous honors and scholarships, including the IEEE Charles Proteus Steinmetz Award, one of the highest technical recognitions given by the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers professional society.

  1. ^ Charles Proteus Steinmetz. Invent Now, Inc. Hall of Fame profile. Invent Now, Inc. Archived from the original on March 3, 2016. Retrieved May 25, 2014.
  2. ^ a b Alger & Arnold 1976, pp. 1380–1383
  3. ^ "C. P. Steinmetz". Becklaser.
  4. ^ "Steinmetz, Forger of Thunderbolts; Charles Proteus Steinmetz: A Biography by John Winthrop Hammond". The New York Times. November 2, 1924.
  5. ^ King, Gilbert. "Charles Proteus Steinmetz, the Wizard of Schenectady".
  6. ^ Knowlton 1949, p. 49, §2-67, eq. 2-66; p. 323, §4-280, eq. 4-47
  7. ^ Knowlton 1949, p. 711, §7-207, fig. 7-84


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