Gourdine, Meredith C.
1929-1998 · Contribution: 1969-1996
Pioneering electrogasdynamics (EGD) technology — converting the kinetic energy of ionized, high-pressure gas into electricity; invented electrostatic precipitators ('Incineraid') to clear smoke and disperse runway fog, and the 'Focus Flow Heat Sink' for cooling computer chips
Portraits are AI-generated interpretations, not photographs.
Impact on the world
One of the foremost scientists in electrogasdynamics; his air-purification, energy-conversion, and chip-cooling technologies remain in use. Elected to the National Academy of Engineering (1991); also a 1952 Olympic silver medalist.
Life & background
African-American engineer and physicist born Sept 26, 1929 in Newark, NJ; PhD in engineering physics, Caltech (1960). Founded Gourdine Systems and Energy Innovations. Died Nov 20, 1998 in Houston.
Sources
- Lemelson-MIT; National Academy of Engineering memorial; Encyclopedia.com; Science/AAAS
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