A Conversation with William A. Fowler – Part I

Nobel laureate William A. Fowler recalls his early education in physics; his part in the history of nuclear physics at the California Institute of Technology in the 1930s; parallel efforts elsewhere, particularly at Berkeley and the Department of Terrestrial Magnetism in Washington,D.C.; his contacts with J. Robert Oppenheimer; and his work with Charles C. Lauritsen and Tommy Lauritsen before and after World War II.John Greenberg received his Ph.D. degree from the University of Wisconsin and was Caltech research fellow in history from 1980–1984. The Editors were saddened to learn that he died while this interview was in press. Requests for reprints may be directed to Judith R. Goodstein, Institute Archives 015A-74, Caltech, Pasadena, CA 91125 USA; e-mail: jrg@caltech.edu.     

A Conversation with William A. Fowler – Part II

Physicist William A.Fowler initiated an experimental program in nuclear astrophysics after World War II. He recalls here the Steady State versus Big Bang controversy and his celebrated collaboration with Fred Hoyle and Geoffrey and Margaret Burbidge on nucleosynthesis in stars. He also comments on the shift away from nuclear physics in universities to large accelerators and national laboratories.John Greenberg received his Ph.D. degree from the University of Wisconsin and was Caltech research fellow in history from 1980–1984. The Editors were saddened to learn that he died while this interview was in press. Requests for reprints may be directed to Judith R. Goodstein, Institute Archives 015A-74, Caltech, Pasadena, CA 91125 USA; e-mail: jrg@caltech.edu.     

A history of neutrons and nuclei. Part 2

The application of physical principles in some studies of lubrication and wear is described. The states of boundary and hydrodynamic lubrication are contrasted and the importance of identifying the state of lubrication of a system is emphasized. Experiments which demonstrate that the lubrication of gears and roller bearings is essentially hydrodynamic are described and the consequences of solid-solid contacts through the hydrodynamic film are discussed. The function of boundary additives such as are present in E.P. oils in mitigating the damage consequent upon solid-solid encounters is described and so is the influence upon damage of the surfaces themselves. Lastly the importance is indicated of wear experiments conducted without lubrication. Such experiments have a relevance to solid-solid encounters through hydrodynamic films and are of direct application to systems in which fluid lubrication cannot be tolerated.

So often a little oil suffices to still a squeal or to restore a neglected machine to use that sometimes, without conscious effort, the scientific interest of lubrication and wear and their economic importance pass unmarked.