E179 -- Recherches sur l'effet d'un machine hydraulique proposée par M. Segner, professeur à Goettingue
(Research concerning the effects of a hydraulic machine proposed by M. Segner, professor at Gottingen)
Summary:
(based on Clifford A. Truesdell's introduction to Opera Omnia Series II, Volume 12)
In this work, Euler gives a complete hydraulic analysis, an early example of the theory of relative motion. He also shows that very high speeds are necessary for good efficiency. He argues that "by means of fixed conducting tubes, adjust the incoming velocity of the water so that the speed of efflux relative to the rotor is zero;" in this way, the theorietical efficiency will be "100% at the desired speed of operation." Euler expounds on this idea in greater detail in E222 and in E259.
According to C. G. J. Jacobi, a treatise with a similar title was presented to the Berlin Academy
on September 2, 1751 (see 1753, E202).
Publication:
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Originally published in Mémoires de l'académie des sciences de Berlin 6, 1752, pp. 311-354
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Opera Omnia: Series 2, Volume 15, pp. 1 - 39
Documents Available:
- Original publication: E179
- E179 can be viewed or downloaded from Digitalisierte Akademieschriften und Schriften zur Geschichte der Königlich Preußischen Akademie der Wissenschaften, which includes serial publications of the Prussian Academy of Science in the 18th and 19th Centuries.
- The Euler Archive attempts to monitor current scholarship for articles and books that may be of interest to Euler Scholars. Selected references we have found that discuss or cite E179 include:
- Reynolds TS., “Scientific influences on technology - case of the overshot waterwheel, 1752-1754.” Technology and Culture, 20 (2), pp. 270-295 (1979).
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