“Gentleman of Science” L. Ben Freund passed away

World-renowned mechanician, Professor Freund at Brown University passed away on October 3, 2024. He was a member of the US National Academy of Sciences/Engineering and made significant contributions to mechanics research and the scientific community. Moreover, Prof. Fruend mentored many outstanding Ph.D. students including Prof. Yang Wei at Zhejiang University and my mentor Prof. Ares Rosakis at the  California Institute of Technology.  His famous works include two books: Dynamic Fracture Mechanics, Thin Film Materials co-authored with Subra Suresh.  For more information about Prof. Freund, please visit these websites:  https://imechanica.org/node/547; https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Lambert-Freund. My short article is based on my simple memory as his academic grandson.

During my PhD study at Caltech, he was on sabbatical in 1999. I bought his <Dynamic Fracture Mechanics> book and asked him to sign it. Last month, I happened to cite this book in my two published papers on dynamic fracture and 3D printing materials, especially his theory of crack branching (PDF files below). I also interacted with him at the ASME and the review meetings of the Office of Naval Research.

My academic grandfather was tall, handsome, and kind, and was honored as a "Gentleman of Science”.  Although I am not able to meet him again, the unusual impression he left on me will always remain in my memory!