Papers of Eric Reissner (1913-1996), professor of mathematics at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (1938-1969) and professor of applied mechanics and engineering sciences at the University of California, San Diego (1970-1979). Reissner's research interests included problems of turbulence and aerodynamic wing theory, the theory of elasticity and problems concerning the behavior of elastic beams, plates and shells. The collection includes biographical materials, Reissner's publications, correspondence, research reports, and teaching materials. The Eric Reissner Papers are arranged in five series: 1) BIOGRAPHICAL MATERIALS, 2) CORRESPONDENCE, 3) WRITINGS, 4) TEACHING MATERIALS, and 5) SUBJECT FILES.

Eric Reissner was born in 1913 in Aachen, Germany, the eldest son of Hans Reissner, a pioneer in German aviation. From 1931 to 1936, Reissner attended the Technische Hochschule Berlin, where his father taught applied mechanics. Reissner received a Dipl. Ing. in applied mathematics in 1935 and a Dr. Ing. in civil engineering in 1936, summa cum laude. In response to the political developments in Germany, Reissner accepted a scholarship at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and went on to receive a Ph.D. in mathematics in 1938. Reissner taught at MIT until his retirement in 1969; he became an American citizen in 1945.

11.60 linear feet (29 archives boxes)

Publication rights are held by the creator of the collection.

Collection is open for research.