Early Life and Education
– Charles Proteus Steinmetz was born on April 9, 1865, in Breslau, Germany (now Wrocław, Poland).
– He attended Johannes Gymnasium and excelled in mathematics and physics.
– Steinmetz pursued his undergraduate degree at the University of Breslau.
– He earned his Ph.D. in 1888 with a dissertation on the theory of hysteresis.
– Steinmetz immigrated to the United States in 1889 and settled in New York.
Political Persecution and Emigration
– Steinmetz fled to Zürich in 1889 to escape possible arrest in Germany.
– He emigrated to the United States due to an expiring visa.
– Steinmetz changed his first name to Charles to sound more American.
– He chose the middle name Proteus after a childhood epithet given by classmates.
– Steinmetz left Germany for financial reasons and to live a more harmonious life with his socialist friends and supporters.
Political Activism in the USA
– Steinmetz was active as a technocratic socialist for over thirty years.
– He spoke highly of Lenin and Einstein as the two greatest minds of their time.
– Steinmetz believed in a corporatist industrial government with a focus on human welfare.
– He was a member of the Technical Alliance, advocating for machines to eliminate human toil and create abundance for all.
– Steinmetz expressed the belief that everyone should have access to the good things in life.
Contributions to Electrical Engineering
– Steinmetz made significant contributions to AC systems theory.
– He conducted experiments on lightning and made advancements in understanding its patterns and effects.
– Steinmetz published groundbreaking papers on complex quantities and their use in electrical engineering.
– He revolutionized AC circuit theory and analysis, simplifying complex methods to algebraic problems.
– Steinmetz made advancements in hysteresis, steady-state analysis, and transients.
Professional Life and Legacy
– Steinmetz served as chair of electrical engineering at Union College from 1902 to 1913.
– He held various leadership positions, including president of the American Institute of Electrical Engineers.
– Steinmetz received numerous awards and honors, including the IEEE Charles Proteus Steinmetz Award.
– His equation defines the approximate heat energy released due to magnetic hysteresis.
– Steinmetz’s legacy is celebrated through scholarships, memorial lectures, and the recognition of his works in electrical engineering. Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Charles_Steinmetz
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.
Charles Proteus Steinmetz | |
|---|---|
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| Born | Karl August Rudolph Steinmetz April 9, 1865 |
| Died | October 26, 1923 (aged 58) Schenectady, New York, United States |
| Resting place | Vale Cemetery |
| Nationality | American |
| Alma mater | University of Breslau Union College (doctorate) |
| Occupation(s) | Mathematician and electrical engineer |
| Known for |
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| Awards | Elliott Cresson Medal (1913) Cedergren Medal (1914) |
| Scientific career | |
| Institutions | Union College |
At the time of his death, Steinmetz held over 200 patents. A genius in both mathematics and electronics, he did work that earned him the nicknames "Forger of Thunderbolts" and "The Wizard of Schenectady". Steinmetz's equation, Steinmetz solids, Steinmetz curves, and Steinmetz equivalent circuit 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.
