H. Norman Abramson (born 1926)[1] is an American engineer, scientist, retired Executive Vice President of the Southwest Research Institute at the University of Texas at Austin, and former manager and principal investigator in several NAE and NRC research projects.[2]
H. Norman Abramson | |
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Born | 1926 |
Nationality | ![]() |
Alma mater | Stanford University |
Awards | ASME Medal (1999) |
Scientific career | |
Fields | theoretical and applied mechanics |
Institutions | University of Texas at Austin |
Notes | |
retired Executive Vice President of the Southwest Research Institute |
Abramson is an internationally regarded expert in the field of theoretical mechanics and applied mechanics with expertise in fluid dynamics, specifically the "dynamics of contained liquids in astronautical, nuclear, and marine systems."[3]
Abramson completed his BSc and MSc in mechanical engineering[4] at Stanford University in 1950 and 1951.[1] He received his PhD in engineering mechanics from the University of Texas at Austin in 1956.[3]
After his graduation in 1956 Abramson started his academic career as an associate professor of aeronautical engineering at Texas A&M University.[3] Later he joining Southwest Research Institute where he eventually rose to Executive Vice President. Abramson was elected as a member into the National Academy of Engineering (NAE) in 1976 for his research in engineering dynamics, research management, and contributions to professional engineering society affairs.
In his early career, Abramson served in the position of Vice president and governor of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME), and he was Director of the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA)[3]
In 1976 Abramson was elected member of the National Academy of Engineering (NAE), and from 1984 to 1990 he was Council member. He cooperated in several joined commission by the National Academy of Engineering and the National Research Council (NRC), such as:[3]
From 1986 to 1990 Abramson was member of the United States Air Force Scientific Advisory Board.[3] Other activities have been
Abramson was elected honorary member of the ASME in 1979, and obtained the ASME Honorary Member (Silver Medal). In 1988 the ASME also awarded him the Ted Belytschko Applied Mechanics Award, and in 1999 the ASME Medal (Gold Medal).