Claes Johnson on Mathematics and Science: Making of the Prandtl ...

We cite from the book Fundamentals of?Aerodynamics by John D Anderson addressed in a?previous post,?concerning Ludwig?Prandtl, the father of modern aerodynamics:

• The first practical theory for predicting the aerodynamic properties of a finite wing was developed by Ludwig Prandtl and his colleagues at Gottingen, Germany, during the period 1911-1918, spanning World War I. The utility of Prandtl's theory is so great that it is still in use today for preliminary calculations of finite-wing characteristics.
• The modern science of aerodynamics rests on a strong fundamental foundation, a large percentage of which was established in one place by one man-at the University of Gottingen by Ludwig Prandtl. Prandtl never received a Noble Prize, although his contributions to?aerodynamics and fluid mechanics are felt by many to be of that caliber.
• By the 1930s, Prandtl was recognized worldwide as the "elder statesman" of fluid dynamics. Although he continued to do research in various areas, including structural mechanics and meteorology, his "Nobel Prize-level" contributions to fluid dynamics had all been made.?
• Prandtl remained at Gottingen throughout the turmoil of World War II, engrossed in his work and seemingly insulated from the intense political and physical disruptions brought about by?Nazi Germany.?
• In fact, the German Air Ministry provided Prandtl's laboratory with new equipment and financial?support.?
• Prandtl was considered a tedious lecturer because he could hardly make a statement without qualifying it. However, he attracted excellent students...?
• Prandtl died in 1953. He was clearly the father of modern aerodynamics-a monumental figure in fluid dynamics. His impact will be felt for centuries to come.

Anderson captures the essential quality of Prandtl's theory as a?practical method for preliminary calculation of wing characteristics (lift), ?and not a physical theory describing the true aerodynamics of the generation of lift of a wing. Anderson further emphasizes the strong connection between Prandtl's work and German war efforts, and thus gives the reason why Prandtl was not near to get a Nobel Prize.

Source: http://claesjohnson.blogspot.com/2012/10/making-of-prandtl-myth-by-john-d.html

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