George N. Hatsopoulos facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
George N. Hatsopoulos
|
|
|---|---|
Hatsopoulos in 2011
|
|
| Born | January 7, 1927 Athens, Greece
|
| Died | September 20, 2018 (aged 91) Lincoln, Massachusetts, U.S.
|
| Awards | John Fritz Medal (1996) |
| Scientific career | |
| Fields | Mechanical engineering |
| Institutions | Massachusetts Institute of Technology |
George Nicholas Hatsopoulos (born January 7, 1927 – died September 20, 2018) was a smart Greek American engineer. He was known for his important work in thermodynamics, which is the study of heat and energy. He also helped start a big company called Thermo Electron.
Contents
Early Life and Education
George Hatsopoulos was born in Athens, Greece, in 1927. He was related to Nicolas Kitsikis, who was a leader at the Athens Polytechnic School. George studied there before he went to MIT in the United States.
At MIT, he earned several degrees. He got his Bachelor's and Master's degrees in 1950. He then earned his Mechanical Engineer degree in 1954 and his Doctorate of Science in 1956.
Understanding Energy: Thermodynamics
In 1965, George Hatsopoulos and Joseph Keenan wrote a textbook called Principles of General Thermodynamics. This book talked about the second law of thermodynamics. This law explains how energy and heat behave in the world.
Their idea helped scientists better understand how energy changes and moves. It also helped to explain how things reach a stable, balanced state. Their work was important for studying energy in new ways.
In 1976, Hatsopoulos also helped create new ideas that combined mechanics and thermodynamics. This was an early step toward a field now called quantum thermodynamics.
A Leader in Science and Business
While he was at MIT, George Hatsopoulos also led the engineering part of Matrad Corporation. This company and MIT helped him financially with his doctoral studies. His thesis was about a special engine called The Thermo-Electron Engine.
In 1956, George Hatsopoulos and Peter M. Nomikos started a company together. They named it Thermo Electron Corporation. Later, George asked his brother, John Hatsopoulos, to join the company.
Under George's leadership, Thermo Electron grew into a big company. It made many useful tools and services for different industries.
Awards and Recognition
George Hatsopoulos received many awards for his achievements.
- In 1961, he won the Golden Plate Award from the American Academy of Achievement.
- In 1996, he received the John Fritz Medal. This is one of the highest awards for engineers in America. It is given for great scientific or industrial achievements.
- In 1997, he was given the 3rd Annual Heinz Award for his work in technology and the economy.
- In 2011, he, along with Arvin Smith and John Hatsopoulos, won the Pittcon Heritage Award. This award came from the Chemical Heritage Foundation.
George Hatsopoulos also received an Award of Excellence from The International Center in New York. He passed away on September 20, 2018, when he was 91 years old.
See also
