The Engineer and the Scandals offers both an in-depth study of a critical step in the evolution of the theory of porous media and an absorbing tale of interpersonal dispute and ultimate tragedy involving two key theorists. Both working at the Technische Hochschule in Vienna, Karl von Terzaghi, 'the father of modern soil mechanics,' and Paul Fillunger engaged in a long disagreement in the 1930s over the handling of the physical problems in porous bodies. The ugly confrontation with its tragic end was a scandal in many respects, not only in Vienna but throughout the international engineering community, and perhaps a microcosm of wider unrest and upheaval in contemporaneous Middle Europe. Using biographical and scientific details, this book brings to life these diametrically opposed personalities, their clash of ideas and styles, and the sad consequences.

Klappentext

The Engineer and the Scandal gives an in-depth study into an important part of the development of the Theory of Porous Media as well as the amazing story of the glittering life of Professor Karl von Terzaghi. It provides an outline of the bitter dispute between him and Professor Paul Fillunger, both working at the Technische Hochschule of Vienna, Austria, in the fields of soil mechanics and technical mechanics during the 1930s. The ugly confrontation with its tragic end was a scandal in many respects. The author, a well-known scientist himself in the field of the mechanics of porous media, investigated this piece of science history in Austria, Norway, and the United States of America. He discloses an amazing story which has been nearly forgotten although it produced large headlines in the Vienna of 1937.

Zusammenfassung

Offers an eye-opening and revealing look into an interpersonal/scientific conflict involving the 'Father of Modern Soil Mechanics' Karl von Terzaghi.

Exemplifies the 'human side' of science in which, sometimes, the prominence of a theorist and the inertia of the 'accepted wisdom' can inhibit progress and rational discussion of the facts.

More than 100 illustrations combine with historical details in the text to evoke a vivid picture of the lost era of pre-WWII Vienna.

Inhalt
Prologue.- Karl von Terzaghi's Childhood, Youth and his Road to Practice and Theory.- Prelude to the Scandal.- Intermezzo.- The Scandal.- The Further Development.- Epilogue.