Charles Proteus Steinmetz

<p>Charles Proteus Steinmetz (born Karl August Rudolph Steinmetz; April 9, 1865 – October 26, 1923) was an American <a href="/facts/Mathematician/eaFSR8Fx">mathematician</a> and <a href="/facts/Electrical_engineering/YYXW1KLW">electrical engineer</a> and professor at <a href="/facts/Union_College/wbXlufMb">Union College</a>. He fostered the development of <a href="/facts/Alternating_current/qxICS3xa">alternating current</a> that made possible the expansion of the <a href="/facts/Electric_power_industry/xwabxdhN">electric power industry</a> in the United States, formulating mathematical theories for engineers. He made ground-breaking discoveries in the understanding of <a href="/facts/Hysteresis/9M2pwR62">hysteresis</a> that enabled engineers to design better <a href="/facts/Electrical_machine/0DvFEdCD">electromagnetic apparatus equipment</a>, especially <a href="/facts/Induction_motor/DgTnMmJM">electric motors</a> for use in industry.
</p><p>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". <a href="/facts/Steinmetz%27s_equation/npdgX6er">Steinmetz's equation</a>, <a href="/facts/Steinmetz_solid/SG8jvgEm">Steinmetz solids</a>, <a href="/facts/Steinmetz_curve/nMY0ApMj">Steinmetz curves</a>, and <a href="/facts/Induction_motor/DgTnMmJM">Steinmetz equivalent circuit</a> are all named after him, as are numerous honors and scholarships, including the <a href="/facts/IEEE_Charles_Proteus_Steinmetz_Award/8zgLN1PK">IEEE Charles Proteus Steinmetz Award</a>, one of the highest technical recognitions given by the <a href="/facts/Institute_of_Electrical_and_Electronics_Engineers/UddC4pUW">Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers</a> professional society.
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Charles Proteus Steinmetz