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Kenneth Walters
Kenneth Walters
from Wikipedia

Kenneth Walters FRS[2] (14 September 1934 – 28 March 2022)[3] was a British mathematician and rheologist. He was a Distinguished Research Professor at the Institute Of Mathematics, Physics and Computer Science of the Aberystwyth University.[4][5]

Key Information

Education

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Walters earned his PhD from the University of Swansea in 1959 under the supervision of James G. Oldroyd. His thesis was entitled Some Elastico-Viscous Liquids with Continuous and Discrete Relaxation Spectra.[1]

Work

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Walters made contributions to rheology and the development of rheological science in the United Kingdom, and has conducted extensive studies of the behaviour of non-Newtonian fluids, particularly elastic liquids. He made advances in two major areas: the measurement of rheological properties, and the numerical solution of complex flows. In the first area, he extended the theory of viscometric flows, carried out a searching analysis of sources of error in the principal instruments in current use, and was involved in industrial applications arising in the manufacture of lubricants, detergents and paints. His book, Rheometry, is a standard work of reference and the book Numerical Simulation of Non-Newtonian Flow, of which he is joint author, is an influential text in this field of research.[4]

Awards and honours

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Prof. Walters was recognized extensively for his contributions to the rheological community by being awarded the Gold Medal from the British Society of Rheology in 1984 and the Weissenberg Award from the European Society of Rheology in 2002. Walters was elected a Fellow of the Royal Society (FRS) in 1991.[4] In 1995 he was made a Foreign Associate of the National Academy of Engineering. He was an active member of the rheological community for many years. He served as President of the British Society of Rheology from 1974 to 1976, President of the European Society of Rheology from 1996 to 2000, and the Chairman of the International Committee on Rheology from 2000 to 2004. He was a founding fellow of the Learned Society of Wales.

Personal life

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In 1961, Kenneth began dating Mary Eccles, an Aberystwyth student who had been Student ‘Rag Queen’ before they met. They were both committed Christians and married in 1963. Their mutual faith led them into lay leadership at St Michael's Anglican church in Aberystwyth. They had three children and seven grandchildren.

Death

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Walters' death was announced on 30 March 2022.[6]

References

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Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia
from Grokipedia
Kenneth Walters was a Welsh mathematician and rheologist renowned for his pioneering contributions to the field of rheology, particularly through the application of mathematical principles to the analysis of complex non-Newtonian fluids and viscoelastic materials. Born on 14 September 1934 in Swansea, Wales, he established himself as one of the leading figures in rheology during the second half of the 20th century and into the 21st, blending rigorous mathematical modelling with experimental insights to advance understanding of fluid behaviour in industrial and scientific contexts. Walters spent much of his career at the University of Wales, Aberystwyth (now Aberystwyth University), where he was appointed Professor in 1973 and later served as Distinguished Research Professor in the Institute of Mathematics, Physics and Computer Science. His work focused on rheometry, the development of constitutive equations for viscoelastic liquids, computational rheology, and the promotion of the discipline internationally through textbooks, conferences, and leadership roles. Notable among his contributions are foundational analyses of common rheological tests and the mathematical treatment of lubricating oils and other complex fluids. He was elected a Fellow of the Royal Society (FRS) and a Founding Fellow of the Learned Society of Wales, and received recognition as a Fellow of the Society of Rheology. Walters died on 28 March 2022.

Early life

Kenneth Walters was born on 14 September 1934 in Swansea, Wales. Born and bred in Swansea, he attended Dynevor Grammar School. Limited details are available on his family background and early education beyond local schooling in Swansea. His mathematical career developed through studies and research in Wales.

Career

Walters' academic career centered on the University of Wales, Aberystwyth, where he advanced to Professor in 1973 and was later named Distinguished Research Professor in the Institute of Mathematics, Physics and Computer Science. His research emphasized rheometry, constitutive equations for viscoelastic liquids, and computational rheology. He authored influential textbooks and organized conferences to promote rheology globally. Key contributions include analyses of standard rheological tests and modeling of complex fluids like lubricating oils.

Honours

He was elected Fellow of the Royal Society (FRS), Founding Fellow of the Learned Society of Wales, and Fellow of the Society of Rheology.

Death

Kenneth Walters died on 28 March 2022.
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