Eric Laithwaite
Eric Laithwaite (born June 14, 1921 in Atherton , Lancashire , † November 27, 1997 ) was an English engineer who developed the linear motor and maglev ( magnetic levitation train ).
He grew up in Fylde, Lancashire, attended Kirkham Grammar School and in 1941 joined the Royal Air Force and became a test engineer for autopilots at the Royal Aircraft Establishment . From 1946 he studied electrical engineering at the University of Manchester , where he earned his master's degree with his collaboration on the Manchester Mark I. His subsequent doctoral thesis established his interest in linear motors. In 1951 he married Sheila Gooddie, with whom he has two sons and daughters. In 1964 he became professor for heavy current engineering at Imperial College London , where he successfully further developed the linear motor.
In 1966 and 1974 he gave the Royal Institution Christmas Lectures on television . When the Royal Institution invited him in 1974 to discuss a subject of his choice, he demonstrated a gyroscope that he believed failed to comply with Newton's laws because it appeared to be losing weight. The Royal Institution and later himself contradicted this statement.
He later founded Gyron Ltd with William Dawson and received a patent for a drive system in 1993.
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| personal data | |
|---|---|
| SURNAME | Laithwaite, Eric |
| BRIEF DESCRIPTION | English engineer |
| DATE OF BIRTH | June 14, 1921 |
| PLACE OF BIRTH | Atherton , Lancashire |
| DATE OF DEATH | November 27, 1997 |