JP Den Hartog about SP Timoshenko: Fifty Years Later

Abstract

This study is devoted to Jacob Pieter Den Hartog’s views about Stephen Prokopovych Timoshenko. Both were outstanding contributors to the mechanics-based design of structures and machines. Additionally, both were refugees, who were running from hardships in their own countries. Den Hartog ran away from economic hardships that befell the Netherlands after World War I. Timoshenko escaped two Russian revolutions that took place in 1917, in addition to the takeover of Kiev by several armies, including foreign ones, and imminent Soviet rule in Ukraine. Their destinies led them to meet at the Westinghouse Electric Corporation in the USA. This study reviews two prime documents associated with their interaction. The first document is the newly discovered letter sent by Den Hartog to Timoshenko half a century ago, specifically, on the occasion of the latter’s 90th birthday in 1968. The second document is the review of the book As I Remember by SP Timoshenko that Den Hartog published in Science magazine, also in 1968. A complex interrelationship emerges between these two scientists. On the one hand, there is a tremendous appreciation felt by Den Hartog toward Timoshenko; on the other hand, one clearly observes Den Hartog’s disapproval of Timoshenko’s ingratitude to the USA, as expressed in Timoshenko’s autobiography, in numerous passages.