Affiliation:
1. Faculty of Engineering, Department of Mechanical Engineering,Imperial College London, London, UK
Abstract
David Ewins was a major figure in experimental structural dynamics. He pioneered the subject that became known as modal testing, writing the seminal book on the topic which is still in use 40 years later. He did outstanding research across a wide range of topics, notably modal testing, rotating machinery vibration and the dynamics of structural joints. He was always interested in industrial applications and was a firm believer in the need for research to demonstrate impact long before it became fashionable. He was the founding director of one of the first Rolls-Royce University Technology Centres and made major contributions to the company. He loved interacting with engineers at all levels in academia and industry, and he was a passionate educator of both PhD students and engineers in industry. His influence continues to be reflected in their careers.