Management Of New University Computer

Press, Volume C, Issue 29563, 12 July 1961, Page 20

Management Of New University Computer

Mr B. A. McG. Moon, applied science representative of the International Business Machines World Trade Corporation,. Lower Hutt, has been appointed a senior lecturer in mathematics at the University of Canterbury to take charge of the big 1.8. M. 1620 digital computer which will be installed there next year. Mr Moon has had considerable experience with computers used in guided missile tests. Mr Moon, who is 31 years of age and married, took a master of science degree with honours in mathematics in the University of New Zealand, and from 1951 to 1959 was a scientific officer in the Australian Department of Supply. During this time he was engaged in guided weapon research for four years in Australia and for three years in England. Main Research His main research has been on the kinematics of guided missiles, including the development of variable parameter linear differential equattons to describe missile flight, setting out these equations for the Radar Research Establishment’s digital computer, producing numerical solutions with the computer, and designing flight experiments to verify these solutions. . In Australia Mr Moon applied this work to operational guided weapons and was able to explain apparently anomalous behaviour which considerably influenced missile flight He also did other work on the effects of rolling motion in such flights. In the 18 months which he has served with 1.8. M., Mr Moon has been chiefly concerned with applying the digital computer to technical problems. The conditions of appointment to the University of Canterbury require that Mr Moon shall be responsible for the teaching of courses in digital computer operation and in numerical mathematics and that he shall be responsible for direction and advice on all aspects of.computing

facilities within the university. Although the university computer will not be installed until the beginning of next year, Mr Moon (who will take up his appointment in August) will begin immediately to plan for its operation as soon as it is. ready. By the terms of his appointment, Mr Moon is also expected to undertake further research in computer work and to assist in the field of

rocket trajectories which is already in progress in the mathematics department under Professor D. F. Lawden. Mr Moon was closely concerned with negotiations for the supply of the university’s digital computer,, which has been secured at considerably below normal cost as an 1.8. M. World Trade Corporation contribution to university teaching and research. It is expected that there will be considerable competition for use of the computer among university departments as it will be capable of handling problems for most of them. A major task will be to determine priorities. The computer will not be available for use by organisations outside the university.