Skip to content

 

Fellows Directory

Oliver Penrose

Oliver Penrose

Professor Oliver Penrose FRS

Fellow


Elected: 1987

Biography

Oliver Penrose’s work focused on the mathematical basis of statistical mechanics. Oliver has worked on many problems in statistical physics. A notable early success was his estimate (with Lars Onsager) of the proportion of condensate in liquid helium, but his later interests moved to the rigorous derivation of statistical mechanics and ergodic behaviour, where he enjoys an international reputation. Particularly noticeable was his vigorous resolution of the conditions under which the Van der Waals equation holds.

Interest and expertise

Subject groups

  • Mathematics
    • Applied mathematics and theoretical physics
  • Astronomy and physics
    • Statistical
Was this page useful?
Thank you for your feedback
Thank you for your feedback. Please help us improve this page by taking our short survey.