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Memorial Tributes Volume 15 (2011) / Chapter Skim
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John (Jack) P. Longwell 1918-2004
Pages 286-291

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From page 287...
... He developed the first size characterization of the drop size distribution by capturing the sprays in a dry ice/acetone bath and then sieving the frozen droplets. His method for characterizing sprays had a major impact on the development of both commercial burners and gas turbines.
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From page 288...
... it is of great value in determining the maximum throughput achievable by a combustor without flame blowout. "Jack showed an unusual ability and delight in taking a piece of science and showing where it could be applied, along with a singular ability to analyze all dimensions of a problem." These attributes led to his being assigned a series of management positions of increasing responsibilities, including setting up the predecessor of the government research laboratory, serving as the first head of the Exploratory Division of the Process research division, heading up the chemical research division in 1960, serving as director of the central Basic research laboratory in 1965, and becoming manager of corporate research in 1968.
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From page 289...
... The first is a well-stirred reactor representing the recirculation zone near the fuel and air injectors necessary to stabilize a flame zone; the second is a plug-flow region required to achieve high combustion efficiency. His research on pollution abatement at MiT was directed at control of the emissions of the nitrogen oxides, sulfur oxides, soot, and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons with special emphasis on their potential mutagenicity.
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From page 290...
... Jack contributed his time freely to professional societies. He received the 1979 award in chemical engineering Practice from the american institute of chemical engineers in recognition of lifetime contributions.
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From page 291...
... Jack took up the cello at the age of 40, and as his expertise grew, he organized and played in an amateur music group in which his daughter, Martha, participated alternately as a pianist or violist. (He playfully referred to the group as the Mauvais arts Trio, a whimsical variant of the Beaux arts Trio.)
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Key Terms

  • size distribution
  • pollution abatement
  • mountain bikes
  • arts trio
  • process research

  • helped build
  • gilliland professor
  • talos naval
  • drop size
  • nitrogen oxides

  • public opposition
  • mass transfer
  • design basis
  • central basic
  • beyond combustion

  • sonic jets
  • son john
  • collarbone attempting
  • region required
  • recirculation zone

  • polycyclic aromatic
  • induce recirculation
  • quotation marks
  • doctoral thesis
  • opposite collarbone

  • becoming manager
  • mit faculty
  • favorite spots
  • jack longwell
  • avid fisherman


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