Colorado State Professor Honored For 50 Years Of Service
Wednesday, November 12, 1997
FORT COLLINS--A Colorado State University professor will be
honored for his pioneering research and 50 years of service to
the university at an evening celebration Nov. 14.
Jack Cermak, a University Distinguished Professor of civil
engineering, began his teaching career at Colorado State in 1947,
and has distinguished himself as a leader in the field of fluid
mechanics and wind engineering.
In 1959, Cermak founded the Fluid Dynamics and Diffusion
Laboratory, a facility that revolutionized the study of wind
effects on structures, air pollutant dispersion, and snow
drifting over geographical features.
In the wind tunnel laboratory, small-scale models of
buildings are subjected to simulated wind patterns. The lab
allows architects, structural engineers and city planners from
around the world to test structures for wind loads before they
are built. Cermak's work has included studies of the swaying of
the twin towers of the New York World Trade Center and the gusty
conditions that disrupted baseball games in San Francisco's
Candlestick Park.
In 1973, Cermak's groundbreaking research on wind effects on
buildings and dispersion of air pollutants led to his election
into the National Academy of Engineering.
"Professor Cermak's contribution to wind engineering is
immense," said Neil Grigg, chairman of the civil engineering
department. "His research has resulted in better understanding of
wind forces and wind in environments around the world, and the
students he has taught are in responsible positions worldwide.
Cermak's work has greatly decreased property damage from wind and
increased human safety and comfort."
Cermak's current projects include a study of heavy snow
drifting along Pena Boulevard on the way to Denver International
Airport. Cermak's research also includes a study on the addition
of dampers to high-rise buildings to control swaying. In
addition, Cermak is working on wind-tunnel studies of wind loads
on low-rise buildings.
"Our ultimate goal is learning how to mitigate damage
because of the wind from hurricanes," Cermak said. "From a
background of knowledge on effects of wind, we can develop
building codes that help minimize storm damage."
In addition to his research, Cermak developed the
engineering science major, an interdepartmental undergraduate
program he chaired from 1962-73. Cermak also was one of the
founders of the Colorado State University Research Foundation.
In 1984, Cermak initiated the annual Cermak Awards, which
recognizes one faculty member in each college and the graduate
school for providing exceptional advising to students. Cermak
also established the Jack E. Cermak wind engineering scholarship
which is awarded each year to an outstanding student in the fluid
mechanics and wind engineering program.
Cermak plans to continue his teaching and research at
Colorado State, as well as providing consulting services to
architectural firms, engineering firms, public utilities and
federal, state and municipal bodies throughout the world.
"One advantage of doing what you love is there's no reason
to stop," Cermak said. "It has been a privilege to work here at
Colorado State. I hope all faculty and students have had as much
fun and satisfaction as I've had."
The Nov. 14 celebration for Cermak will include a reception
and dinner.
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