Frank T. Smith facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Frank Smith
|
|
|---|---|
| Born |
Frank Thomas Smith
February 24, 1948 |
| Education | Bournemouth Grammar School |
| Alma mater | University of Oxford (BA, DPhil) |
| Spouse(s) |
Valerie Sheila Hearn
(m. 1972) |
| Children | 3 |
| Scientific career | |
| Fields | Fluid mechanics |
| Institutions | University College London |
| Thesis | Theoretical and experimental study of airflow past a porous surface with strong blowing, and two related problems (1972) |
| Academic advisors | David Spence |
| Doctoral students | Hannah Fry |
Frank Thomas Smith, born in 1948, is a very smart professor. He used to teach mathematics at University College London. He is an expert in a field called fluid mechanics. This is the study of how liquids and gases move.
Contents
Early Life and Education
Frank Smith went to Bournemouth Grammar School when he was younger. After that, he studied at the University of Oxford.
University Studies
At Oxford, he earned two important degrees. First, he got a Bachelor of Arts (BA) degree. Later, in 1972, he earned a Doctor of Philosophy (DPhil) degree. His research for this degree was guided by professors like David Spence.
Career and Research Contributions
Professor Smith has made big discoveries in the world of fluid mechanics. This science helps us understand how things like water and air flow.
Understanding Fluid Flow
He helped develop something called "triple-deck theory." This theory is a special way to understand how fluids move, especially when they are close to a surface. He also studied how fluids move in living things. This area is called biofluid mechanics. He even looked into the science behind how stones skip across water!
Leadership in Science
Professor Smith was also the director of the Lighthill Institute of Mathematical Sciences. This is a place where people study advanced mathematics.
Guiding Future Scientists
He was a mentor to many students who were working on their PhDs. A PhD is a very high university degree. He guided ten successful PhD students, including the well-known mathematician Hannah Fry.
Awards and Recognition
Frank Smith's important work has been recognized with special awards.
Fellow of the Royal Society
In 1984, Professor Smith was chosen to be a Fellow of the Royal Society (FRS). This is a very high honor for scientists in the United Kingdom. It means he is considered one of the best scientists in his field.
