John Davidson successfully applied science to a number of problems in chemical engineering. His work included the study of thin liquid films and accompanying mass-transfer in packed columns, and also various aspects of the mechanics of single bubbles and swarms of bubbles. However, his principal contributions over the last ten years were in the industrially important field of fluidisation. John’s work, theoretical and experimental, threw much light on the mechanics of fluidised beds and simplified the study of a variety of particulate systems. It has also made possible the analysis of chemically-reacting fluidised systems.
Professor John Davidson FREng FRS died on 25 December 2019.
Professional position
- Emeritus Professor of Chemical Engineering, Department Of Chemical Engineering & Biotechnology, University of Cambridge
Subject groups
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Engineering and Materials Science
Engineering, chemical, Fluid dynamics
Awards
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Leverhulme Medal
For his distinguished contributions to chemical engineering, in particular the use of fluidised beds.
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Royal Medal
In recognition of his distinguished work over many years in chemical engineering, including fluid flow, process dynamics, gas absorption and fluidization technology which has been concerned with real problems of industrial significance.
