Ronald Rivlin, elasticity pioneer, dies

Palo Alto, California -- Ronald Samuel Rivlin, noted for his work on the elastic behaviour of rubberlike substances for which he won the 1992 Charles Goodyear Medal, died recently at his home in Palo Alto in California.

Rivlin, who was 90, created the theory of large elastic deformations of rubberlike substances, the basis for all current work on the subject. He proved his theory, with the help of a succession of colleagues, through experimental verification.

He then developed concepts in fracture of elastomers, viscoelastic behaviour and flow dynamics.

Rivlin died Oct. 4, his family confirmed late in November.

He was born in London and began his career in 1937 at General Electric Co. as a research physicist. During World War II he worked at the Ministry of Aircraft Production in England, and in 1944 joined the British Rubber Producers' Association.

He moved to the US in 1952 -- later becoming an American citizen -- and spent the next 33 years teaching. He taught at Brown University, Lehigh University, the Institute for Advanced Study in Berlin and the University of Delaware. He also was a senior research and development associate Th the B.F. Goodrich Specialty Polymers and Chemicals Division.

Among many honors and titles, Rivlin received the Goodyear Medal, the ACS Rubber Division's highest honour, at its Louisville, Kentucky, meeting in 1993.

He is survived by his wife, Violet; son John of Palo Alto; and a grandchild.

From Rubber & Plastics News (A Crain publication)

Obituary in New York Times