Person Soward; Andrew Michael; fluid dynamicist Soward Andrew Michael fluid dynamicist British Male London, England, United Kingdom 20 October 1943 19431020 20 July 2025 20250720

Fluid dynamicist Theoretical physics Applied mathematics Astrophysics Geophysics Fluid dynamics Magnetohydrodynamics Education: Queens' College, Cambridge BA; PhD Career: Emeritus Professor, Department of Mathematics of the University of Exeter Well known for his work on magnetohydrodynamics (MHD) and especially dynamo theory, and also for his significant contributions to linear and nonlinear stability theory. By powerful use of asymptotic analysis, he solved a number of very difficult problems in applied mathematics. By a new pseudo-Lagrangian technique for studying lightly damped fluid systems, he elucidated previously inexplicable features of Braginskii's geodynamo. Andrew also provided explicit examples of steady fast dynamo action, so disproving a conjecture that such dynamos did not exist. Andrew identified new rotating modes of nonlinear convection in rotating systems, and in collaboration with Steven Childress, established a now celebrated MHD dynamo model in a rapidly rotating Benard layer; he also gave the first demonstration that situations exist where oscillatory MHD dynamos generate magnetic fields more readily than steady flows can. Assisted by Eric R. Priest, he provided the first mathematically satisfactory account of the Petschek mechanism of magnetic field line reconnection. Andrew also gave the first complete solution of the Stefan (freezing) problem in cylindrical geometry. Fellow 14/03/1991 47 The Royal Society Fellows Directory, Professor Andrew Soward FRS, [URL: https://royalsociety.org/people/andrew-soward-12324/; last accessed: 20/08/2025] International Standard Archival Authority Record for Corporate Bodies, Persons and Families - ISAAR(CPF) - Ottawa 1996 ISBN 0-9696035-3-3 National Council on Archives, Rules for the Construction of Personal, Place and Corporate Names, 1997 https://royalsocietypublishing.org/action/doSearch?ContribAuthorRaw=Soward%2C+Andrew+Michael 20 Oct 1943 - The past Fellows entries are under continuous revision. If you have queries or additional information to contribute, please contact Library@royalsociety.org. Content in external sources is not controlled by the Royal Society and historical sources may include content that is now unacceptable. Reviewed on 20/08/2025 as part of the Name Authority Project update. NA4312 21/11/2001 Andyg Martind 20/08/2025 RS_NET\VidaM Yes 33208aa6-5a20-4ee8-854e-61d8fe9c0c21