Henry Selby Hele-Shaw facts for kids
Henry Selby Hele-Shaw (1854–1941) was a brilliant English engineer. He worked with machines and cars. He invented the variable-pitch propeller. This invention helped a lot during the Battle of Britain in 1940. He also studied how liquids flow through small spaces. These special flows are now called Hele-Shaw flows, named after him. He also helped start a company called Victaulic.
His Life and Work
Henry Selby Hele-Shaw was born on July 29, 1854. His hometown was Billericay, England. When he was 17, he started learning to be an engineer. This was like an apprenticeship. He worked at the Mardyke Engineering Works in Bristol until 1876. He also became a Whitworth Scholar. This is a special honor for engineers.
Hele-Shaw became the very first Professor of Engineering at University College, Bristol. Later, in 1885, he also became the first to hold the Harrison Chair of Engineering at Liverpool University College. He was also chosen as a Fellow of the Royal Society. This is a very important group for scientists and engineers.
In 1923, Hele-Shaw started a group called the Whitworth Society. He was their first president. This society still exists today. It helps engineers connect with each other. It also encourages young people to study engineering in the UK. The society's goal is to honor Sir Joseph Whitworth's kindness.
In 1933, he received an award called the Certificate of Merit. This award came from the Franklin Institute. Henry Selby Hele-Shaw passed away on January 30, 1941, in Ross-on-Wye.
Public Talks
In 1902, Hele-Shaw was asked to give a special series of talks. These were the Royal Institution Christmas Lectures. His talks were about "Locomotion: On the Earth, Through the Water, in the Air." He explained how things move on land, in water, and in the sky.
See also
- Hele-Shaw clutch
- Victaulic
