Ian Sneddon facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Ian Sneddon
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| Born |
Ian Naismith Sneddon
8 December 1919 Glasgow, Scotland
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| Died | 4 November 2000 (aged 80) Glasgow, Scotland
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| Alma mater | University of Glasgow |
| Awards | FRS Eringen Medal (1979) |
| Scientific career | |
| Institutions | University of Glasgow |
| Doctoral students | Anthony Spencer |
Prof Ian Naismith Sneddon was a very important Scottish mathematician. He was born in Glasgow, Scotland, on December 8, 1919, and he passed away there on November 4, 2000.
Sneddon was known for his work in different areas of mathematics, especially in something called "analysis" and "applied mathematics." Applied mathematics is about using math to solve real-world problems.
Contents
Early Life and Education
Ian Sneddon grew up in Glasgow, Scotland. He went to Hyndland School for his early education.
After school, he studied mathematics and physics at the University of Glasgow. He earned his first degree, a Bachelor of Science (BSc), there. Later, he continued his studies at the University of Cambridge, where he received a Master of Arts (MA) degree in 1941.
Working During and After the War
During World War II, from 1942 to 1945, Ian Sneddon worked as a Scientific Officer for the Ministry of Supply. This meant he used his science skills to help with the war effort.
After the war ended, he worked as a Research Officer at the H H Wills Laboratory at the University of Bristol. In 1946, he returned to the University of Glasgow to teach physics.
Becoming a Professor
In 1950, Ian Sneddon became a professor at University College, North Staffordshire. A professor is a high-level teacher and researcher at a university.
In 1956, he came back to the University of Glasgow. This time, he became a Professor of Mathematics, which was his main field of study.
Awards and Special Honors
Ian Sneddon received many honors for his important work in mathematics.
In 1958, he was chosen to be a Fellow of the Royal Society of Edinburgh. This is a special group of experts in Scotland. He also won the Society's Makdougall-Brisbane Prize for his research.
Later, in 1983, he was elected a Fellow of the Royal Society of London. This is one of the oldest and most respected scientific groups in the world. Being a Fellow means you are recognized as a leading scientist.
He retired from his teaching and research work in 1985.
Family Life
In 1943, Ian Sneddon married Mary Campbell Macgregor.
His Research Work
Ian Sneddon wrote many books and papers about his mathematical research. Some of his important works include:
- Fourier transforms (1951)
- Special functions of mathematical physics and chemistry (1956)
- Elements of partial differential equations (1957)
- An introduction to the mathematics of medicine and biology (1960), which he wrote with James George Defares. This shows how math can be used in other sciences.
- Crack problems in the classical theory of elasticity (1969), written with Morton Lowengrub. This book looked at how materials break.
Honorary Degrees
Ian Sneddon also received special honorary doctorates from several universities. These are degrees given to people to honor their achievements, even if they didn't study there. He received them from:
- Warsaw University (1973)
- Heriot-Watt University (1982)
- University of Hull (1983)
- University of Strathclyde (1984)
