Fluidics

/fluːˈɪdɪks/ noun

Definition

The branch of engineering and physics that studies and applies the principles of controlled fluid flow, including the use of fluids to perform logic and control functions.

Etymology

From 'fluidic' plus the scientific suffix '-ics' (the study of), coined in the mid-20th century when researchers explored using fluid jets for computing and control systems.

Kelly Says

In the 1950s-60s, scientists built fluidic amplifiers and logic gates using nothing but air jets and cleverly shaped channels—it sounds crazy, but it actually worked and was immune to electromagnetic interference!

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