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Durand (William F.) Papers
SC0381
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Table of contents
Language of Material:
English
Contributing Institution:
Department of Special Collections and University Archives
Title: William F. Durand papers
Creator:
Durand, William Frederick
Identifier/Call Number: SC0381
Identifier/Call Number: 1217
Physical Description:
4 Linear Feet
Date (inclusive): 1893-1979
The papers of William F. Durand date from 1893 to 1958; included with them are some
biographical and scientific writings by others that relate to Durand dating to 1979. the
papers primarily concern his research in engineering and aeronautics. They include
correspondence, manuscripts, typescripts, research notes, reports, reprints, clippings,
photographs (including some of damage to Stanford buildings from the 1906 earthquake),
memorabilia, and a copy of his published autobiography. The correspondence consists mostly
of carbon copies of outgoing letters from 1943 to 1945 concerning publications, aeronautical
research, recommendations, professional affiliations, Stanford University affairs, and some
personal news.
Durand is also represented in three other collections within the Department of Special
collections. Papers concerning design and construction of dams, M0435, contains one folder
of Durand's papers concerning Boulder Dam, 1935. Science and scientists, M0133, contains
several letters between Durand and R. Giacomelli, 1930. University records relating to
Durand can be found in SC0064a, the presidential papers of Ray Lyman Wilbur.
William F. Durand, known as the Dean of American engineering, joined the Stanford
University faculty in 1904, serving as professor and head of the Mechanical Engineering
Department until his retirement at age 65 in 1924; he held the position of Professor
Emeritus until 1958.
Durand, a 1880 graduate of the United States Naval Academy, began his teaching career at
Michigan State College in 1887; in 1891 he joined the Cornell University faculty, teaching
in the School of Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering.
Although his early research was in marine engineering, Durand was best known for his
contributions to the science of aeronautics, specifically the development of the first
variable pitch propeller. He was an original member of the National Advisory Committee on
Aeronautics, serving from 1915 to 1933, and again during World War II, when he helped
organize the work being done on jet propulsion.
Durand was professionally active well into his 80s. After his retirement from Stanford, he
continued his research on airplane propellers, making use of Stanford's wind tunnel. He
served several terms as president of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers and Sigma
Xi. He was a member of a federal advisory board concerned with the Colorado River and Hoover
Dam; and he worked with the Daniel Guggenheim Fund for the Promotion of Aeronautics
[Identification of item], William F. Durand Papers (SC0381). Department of Special
Collections and University Archives, Stanford University Libraries, Stanford, Calif.
Property rights reside with the repository. Literary rights reside with the creators of the
documents or their heirs. To obtain permission to publish or reproduce, please contact the
Public Services Librarian of the Dept. of Special Collections and University Archives.
None.
Subjects and Indexing Terms
Marine engineering.
Hydraulics.
Aeronautics -- Research.
Stanford University. Department of Mechanical
Engineering -- General subdivision--Faculty.;