H. Norman Abramson
Encyclopedia
H. Norman Abramson is an American engineer and scientist. He is internationally regarded in the field of theoretical and applied mechanics
, with specific expertise in fluid dynamics
.
and masters work at Stanford University
and received his PhD
in mechanical engineering
from the University of Texas at Austin
. He began his career as an associate professor of aeronautical engineering at Texas A&M University
before joining Southwest Research Institute
where he eventually rose to Executive Vice President. Abramson was inducted into the National Academy of Engineering
(NAE) in 1976.
Abramson served on many posts in his life:
Applied mechanics
Applied mechanics is a branch of the physical sciences and the practical application of mechanics. Applied mechanics examines the response of bodies or systems of bodies to external forces...
, with specific expertise in fluid dynamics
Fluid dynamics
In physics, fluid dynamics is a sub-discipline of fluid mechanics that deals with fluid flow—the natural science of fluids in motion. It has several subdisciplines itself, including aerodynamics and hydrodynamics...
.
Early life and education
Abramson completed his undergraduateUndergraduate degree
An undergraduate degree is a colloquial term for an academic degree taken by a person who has completed undergraduate courses. It is usually offered at an institution of higher education, such as a university...
and masters work at Stanford University
Stanford University
The Leland Stanford Junior University, commonly referred to as Stanford University or Stanford, is a private research university on an campus located near Palo Alto, California. It is situated in the northwestern Santa Clara Valley on the San Francisco Peninsula, approximately northwest of San...
and received his PhD
PHD
PHD may refer to:*Ph.D., a doctorate of philosophy*Ph.D. , a 1980s British group*PHD finger, a protein sequence*PHD Mountain Software, an outdoor clothing and equipment company*PhD Docbook renderer, an XML renderer...
in mechanical engineering
Mechanical engineering
Mechanical engineering is a discipline of engineering that applies the principles of physics and materials science for analysis, design, manufacturing, and maintenance of mechanical systems. It is the branch of engineering that involves the production and usage of heat and mechanical power for the...
from the University of Texas at Austin
University of Texas at Austin
The University of Texas at Austin is a state research university located in Austin, Texas, USA, and is the flagship institution of the The University of Texas System. Founded in 1883, its campus is located approximately from the Texas State Capitol in Austin...
. He began his career as an associate professor of aeronautical engineering at Texas A&M University
Texas A&M University
Texas A&M University is a coeducational public research university located in College Station, Texas . It is the flagship institution of the Texas A&M University System. The sixth-largest university in the United States, A&M's enrollment for Fall 2011 was over 50,000 for the first time in school...
before joining Southwest Research Institute
Southwest Research Institute
Southwest Research Institute , headquartered in San Antonio, Texas, is one of the oldest and largest independent, nonprofit, applied research and development organizations in the United States...
where he eventually rose to Executive Vice President. Abramson was inducted into the National Academy of Engineering
National Academy of Engineering
The National Academy of Engineering is a government-created non-profit institution in the United States, that was founded in 1964 under the same congressional act that led to the founding of the National Academy of Sciences...
(NAE) in 1976.
Abramson served on many posts in his life:
- Vice president and governor of the American Society of Mechanical EngineersAmerican Society of Mechanical EngineersThe American Society of Mechanical Engineers is a professional body, specifically an engineering society, focused on mechanical engineering....
(ASME) - Director of the American Institute of Aeronautics and AstronauticsAmerican Institute of Aeronautics and AstronauticsThe American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics is the professional society for the field of aerospace engineering. The AIAA was founded in 1963 from the merger of two earlier societies: the American Rocket Society , founded in 1930 as the American Interplanetary Society , and the Institute...
(AIAA) - Council member of the NAE (1984–1990)
- Member of the United States Air Force Scientific Advisory Board (1986–1990)
- Chair of CETS Committee on R&D Strategies to Improve Surface Transportation Security
- TRB's Research and Technology Coordinating Committee
- TRB's Federal Transportation R&D Strategic Planning Process (Chair of the Committee for a Study of Public Sector Requirements for a Small Aircraft Transportation System (sponsored by NASANASAThe National Aeronautics and Space Administration is the agency of the United States government that is responsible for the nation's civilian space program and for aeronautics and aerospace research...
) - Vice chair of the Committee for a Review of the National Transportation Science and Technology Strategy
- Committee on National Institute of Aerospace Proposal Reviews
- Committee on the Role of Naval Forces in the Global War on terror
- Member of the Oversight Committee for the Strategic Highway Research Program 2
Awards and recognitions
Abramson has received following awards and recognition in his career:- Elected to National Academy of EngineeringNational Academy of EngineeringThe National Academy of Engineering is a government-created non-profit institution in the United States, that was founded in 1964 under the same congressional act that led to the founding of the National Academy of Sciences...
(1976) - ASME Honorary Member (Silver Medal) (1979)
- ASME Ted Belytschko Applied Mechanics Award (1988)
- ASME Medal (Gold Medal) (1999)
Publications
- The dynamic behavior of liquids in moving containers (1966)
- An Introduction to the Dynamics of Airplanes (1971)
- Technology Transfer Systems in the United States and Germany: Lessons and Perspectives (1997)
- Improving Surface Transportation Security Through Research and Development (TR News 211, November–December 2000)
- Deterrence, Protection, and Preparation: The New Transportation Security Imperative—Special Report 270 (2002)
- Implementing the Results of the Second Strategic Highway Research Program: Saving Lives, Reducing Congestion, Improving Quality of Life - Special Report 296 (2009)