Professor Randy Ewoldt in The Grainger College of Engineering at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign has been elected to Fellowship in the American Physical Society (APS).
He was selected by the Division of Fluid Dynamics for pioneering contributions to nonlinear rheology and complex-fluid mechanics.
“I’m honored to be elected a Fellow of the American Physical Society. My research connects physics with mathematics and engineering to understand how complex materials flow and deform. Our Department of Mechanical Science and Engineering has been a wonderful place to pursue those connections.”
APS represents more than 50,000 members, including physicists in academia, national laboratories, and industry in the U.S. and around the world. APS Fellowship recognizes members who have made exceptional contributions in physics research, important applications of physics, significant contributions to physics education, or leadership in or service to the Society.
First established in 1921, APS Fellowship is a distinct honor signifying recognition by one's professional peers. Each year, no more than one half of one percent of the society’s membership (excluding student members) are elected to the status of Fellow.
Ewoldt and his research group bridge fluid mechanics, rheology, and soft matter physics to connect fundamental understanding of complex materials with new possibilities for engineering design. Their work combines experiments and mathematical modeling. Recent motivating applications include direct-write 3D printing, high-throughput material characterization, wildland fire suppressants, bioinspired ultrasoft gelling materials, and flow batteries for grid-scale energy storage
“This is an excellent recognition of his remarkable contributions to rheology and understanding the flow of complex fluids,” said Jon Freund, Willett Professor and head of the Department of Aerospace Engineering. “He is a thought leader in this field.”
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Randy Ewoldt is the Alexander Rankin Professor in mechanical science and engineering.