Jan D. Achenbach facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Jan D. Achenbach
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Jan D. Achenbach receiving the 2005 National Medal of Science from president George W. Bush
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| Born | 20 August 1935 Leeuwarden, Netherlands
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| Died | 22 August 2020 (aged 85) |
| Citizenship | U.S. |
| Alma mater | Delft University of Technology; Stanford University |
| Known for | Wave Motion |
| Awards | William Prager Medal (2001) National Medal of Technology National Medal of Science Theodore von Karman Medal (2010) ASME Medal (2012) Timoshenko Medal |
| Scientific career | |
| Fields | Solid mechanics |
| Institutions | Columbia University; Northwestern University |
| Doctoral advisor | Chi-Chang Chao |
Jan Drewes Achenbach (born August 20, 1935 – died August 22, 2020) was a very important professor. He taught at Northwestern University for many years. He was born in Leeuwarden, a city in the northern part of the Netherlands.
Jan Achenbach studied aeronautics, which is the science of flight. He earned his Master's degree in 1959 from Delft University of Technology. After that, he moved to the United States. He continued his studies at Stanford University, where he earned his Ph.D. (Doctor of Philosophy) degree in 1962. A Ph.D. is the highest university degree you can get. After working briefly at Columbia University, he became a professor at Northwestern University.
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What Jan Achenbach Studied
Jan Achenbach was a leader in the field of solid mechanics. This area of science looks at how solid objects behave when forces are applied to them. He focused on understanding how waves travel through materials.
Finding Flaws in Materials
Professor Achenbach created new ways to find tiny cracks or problems (called "flaws") inside materials. He used special tools called contact transducers. These tools send sound waves into a material. He also used imaging techniques, which are like taking pictures inside the material. Another method he developed was laser-based ultrasonics. This uses lasers to create and detect sound waves. These methods help engineers check if materials are safe and strong.
Studying Thin Layers and Composites
He also found ways to study very thin layers of materials. He used something called acoustic microscopy. This is like using sound waves to see very small details. His work often involved both math (analytical studies) and experiments. He worked with many other scientists and companies.
Achenbach also studied how cracks grow in materials, especially when they are moving fast. This is called dynamic fracture. He also researched composite materials. These are materials made from two or more different materials. They are often used in airplanes and sports equipment because they are very strong and light.
Leading a Science Journal
Jan Achenbach was the first editor-in-chief of a science journal called Wave Motion. He led the journal from when it started in 1979 until 2012. This journal publishes new research about how waves move through different things.
Awards and Special Recognitions
Professor Achenbach received many important awards for his scientific work. These awards show how much his research helped the world.
Major Awards Received
- 2012 – He received the ASME Medal from the American Society of Mechanical Engineers.
- 2010 – He was given the Theodore von Karman Medal by the American Society of Civil Engineers.
- 2005 – He earned the National Medal of Science. This is one of the highest honors a scientist can receive in the United States.
- 2003 – He was awarded the National Medal of Technology. This award recognizes people who have made important contributions to technology.
- 2001 – He received the William Prager Medal from the Society of Engineering Science.
- 1997 – He got the Outstanding Service Award from the American Academy of Mechanics.
- 1996 – He was honored with the McDonnell-Douglas Aerospace Model of Excellence Award.
- 1992 – He received the Timoshenko Medal from the American Society of Mechanical Engineers.
- 1975 – He was given the Curtis W. McGraw Research Award.
Being Part of Important Groups
Jan Achenbach was also a member or fellow of many important scientific groups. Being a "member" or "fellow" means you are recognized as an expert in your field.
- He was a member of the National Academy of Sciences.
- He was also a member of the National Academy of Engineering.
- He was a fellow of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences.
- He was an Honorary Member of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers.
- He was a fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science (since 1994).
- He was a fellow of the Japan Society for the Promotion of Science.
- He was a Corresponding Member of the Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences (since 1999).
- He was a fellow of the Acoustical Society of America.
- He was a fellow of the American Academy of Mechanics.
