Andrew Robertson (engineer) facts for kids

Andrew Robertson was an important British mechanical engineer. He was born in Lancashire on January 30, 1883. He passed away on October 22, 1977. He became a Fellow of the Royal Society (FRS) in 1940, which is a big honor for scientists.

Andrew Robertson's Early Life and Education

Andrew Robertson's father was also an engineer. Andrew started his career by learning the trade at his father's company. This company was called J. Robertson & Sons in Fleetwood, Lancashire.

He later studied at the University of Manchester. He earned a top degree in engineering. In 1904, he received a special award called a Whitworth Exhibitioner. This award helped talented students pay for their studies.

Andrew Robertson's Career and Research

After graduating, Andrew Robertson worked at the University of Manchester. He taught and helped students there. He also did research on materials like mild steel with another scientist, Gilbert Cook. They studied how strong these materials were.

During World War I, Andrew Robertson used his skills to help his country. He worked at the Royal Aircraft Establishment. This place was in Farnborough Airfield. He helped with important projects related to aircraft.

Later, he became a professor at the University of Bristol. He taught Mechanical Engineering there. In 1924, he was chosen to lead the engineering college. He became the Principal, which is like the head of the college. Today, a room at Bristol University is named after him.

Awards and Honors for Andrew Robertson

Andrew Robertson received many honors for his work. In 1940, he became a Fellow of the Royal Society (FRS). This is a very respected group of scientists. They recognized him for his experiments on how strong materials are.

His work during World War I was especially noted. He studied how wood behaves under stress. Even though some of his war work was not published under his name, it was very important. His papers on how materials stretch and bend were considered classic.

He also played a big part in building up the Engineering School at Bristol. He was a member of the Advisory Council DSIR. Andrew Robertson was a Whitworth Exhibitioner in 1904. He later became the President of the Whitworth Society in 1947.