Dr. Jerald L. Ericksen was born in Portland, Oregon in 1924. He graduated from the University of Washington, Seattle with a Bachelor of Science degree in 1947 before
obtaining an M.S. in Mathematics from Oregon State University in 1949 and a Ph.D. in Mathematics from Indiana University in 1951. His thesis, advised by Dr. David Gilbarg,
focused on geometric problems in ideal gas flows, a topic that combined Ericksen’s mathematical interests with his appreciation for mechanics. This background prepared him
for work as a mathematician and solid-state physicist at the US Navel Research Lab, a job Ericksen held for six years. In 1957 he accepted a position from Johns Hopkins
University advancing from Assistant Professor to Professor in Theoretical Mechanics. He moved to the University of Minnesota as Professor of Mechanics & Mathematics in
1983 and, finally, retired to became a consultant in 1990.
Ericksen’s research was instrumental in applying general continuum mechanics to chemical engineering, particularly through his non-linear continuum theories of elasticity.
Additionally, he invested over a decade in researching viscoelastic effects in the flow of liquid crystals that resulted in a theory that describes the unusual scaling
behavior observed in Poiseuille flow. His research on liquid crystal dynamics has significant overlap with polymer research since both areas of study seek to explain the
flow-structure coupling and orientation of initially-isotropic microstructured materials. Ericksen recognized this similarity and, by connecting with polymer workers in
industry and at the National Bureau of Standards, he led an advancement in modern materials research most evident by the general “Leslie-Ericksen” theory for the rheology
of general anisotropic fluid systems.
Besides the Bingham Medal, Ericksen has been awarded the 1979 Timoshenko Medal of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers and the 1987 Engineering Science Medal of
the Society of Engineering Science. He has also been honored with a Doctor of Science honoris causa from the National University of Ireland in 1984 and from Heriot-Watt
University in 1988. Ericksen’s membership in seven professional societies, including honorary membership to the Royal Irish Academy and service as the 1963 to 1964 treasurer
for the Society of Natural Philosophy, illustrates his dedication to the scientific and mathematic communities both nationally and internationally. Beyond academia, Ericksen
is known to enjoy nature, woodworking, and a good party.
Sources
American Men and Women of Science, 33rd ed.; Gale: Farmington Hills, MI, 2015; Vol. 4.
Donald E. Carlson. In recognition of the sixtieth birthday of J.L. Ericksen. Journal of Elasticity 1984, 14(4), 337–341.
Mathematics Genealogy Project, MathSciNet (accessed Jun 20, 2019).
Ericksen, Jerald L.
Oregon State University, Mathematics (accessed Jun 20, 2019).
Speech of Acceptance of the 1979 Timoshenko Medal by Jerry L. Ericksen,
iMechanica (accessed Jun 21, 2019).
Rheology Bulletin 1968, 37(4).
Also, link to AIP repository.
Photo Credit
AIP Emilio Segrè Visual Archives.