Prof William Woods, FREng, FIMechE (1931-2016)

Prof Bill Woods, a former Chair of the TfG, has sadly passed away.

It is with much sadness that we report that Professor William (Bill) Woods, FREng , FIMechE, Emeritus Professor of Mechanical Engineering, Queen Mary College, University of London, passed away peacefully on 10 November.

Bill was an active member of the Institution and in particular served as Chairman of the Thermofluids group, building up a lively set of activities in the 1980s and early 1990s and enrolling energetic members to the group.

Bill's own research commenced in the early 1950s while a research student, and subsequently as a faculty member of the Mechanical Engineering Department at the University of Liverpool, and then Queen Mary College, London.

His work focused on a series of fundamental problems in thermofluids inspired through his strong connections with industry. These included pioneering work on the design of optimal spark timing and valve design in internal combustion engines, much of which was carried out in collaboration with General Motors, and problems of reheat in jet engines with Rolls-Royce.

He also worked with the former British Rail research division on shock waves produced by trains in tunnels, with chemicals manufacturers on problems of explosions from pressurised tanks to inform design of pressure release valves, and he had an ongoing interest in problems of rocket propulsion amongst many other topics.