Steinmetz, Charles Proteus
Steinmetz, Charles Proteus (1865-1923), a United States electrical engineer and mathematician. His mathematical work dealing with alternating-current circuitry helped to make practical the use of that form of current. He also investigated magnetic hysteresis (which causes a loss of energy in electrical machinery) and established a formula, of great value in designing electrical equipment, for calculating this loss. He held more than 200 patents.
Steinmetz was born in Germany. While a university student, he was forced to leave the country because of his Socialist activities. He settled in the United States in 1889 and later became an American citizen. Steinmetz received a Ph.D. from Union University in Schenectady, New York, and taught there, 1902-23. He also served as a consultant for the General Electric Company.