University of Washington. Engineering Experiment Station.

The Engineering Experiment Station of the University of Washington was officially established by the Board of Regents in 1917.

From its inception until its end in 1963, the Station performed research in many areas of engineering and science. Its purpose was "to aid in the industrial development of the state and nation by scientific research and by furnishing information for the solution of engineering problems." The work done at the Station produced many research papers and reports later published in its Bulletin. Perhaps the Station's most notable project was an investigation of the Tacoma Narrows Bridge collapse in 1940. Much of the research was led by Frederick Burt Farquharson. The Station had three directors during its existence, Carl Edward Magnusson (1917-1941), Edgar Allan Loew (1941-1945), and Farquharson (1945-1963). In September of 1962, the Office of Engineering Research was established within the College of Engineering and the the Engineering Experiment Station would be merged with the Office of Engineering Research under the latter title by July of the following year.

From the description of University of Washington Engineering Experiment Station records, 1923-1965 (bulk 1937-1956). (Unknown). WorldCat record id: 259830114

The Engineering Experiment Station of the University of Washington was officially established by the Board of Regents in 1917. The express purpose of the Station was "to aid in the industrial development of the state and nation by scientific research and by furnishing information for the solution of engineering problems." The work done at the station produced many research papers and reports that were published in its Bulletin. The Station was governed by a University Board that consisted of the following four authorities: the President of the University, the Dean of the College of Engineering, the Director of the Station, and a representative for each research division of the station. The Station had 3 directors during its existence- Carl Edward Magnusson from 1917 until his death in 1941, Edgar Allan Loew from 1941 to 1945, and Frederick Burt Farquharson from 1945 to 1963. In September of 1962, the Office of Engineering Research was established within the College of Engineering for the promotion and administration of sponsored research in the various engineering departments. In July of 1963, the Engineering Experiment Station was merged with the Office of Engineering Research under the latter title.

From its inception in 1917 to its end in 1963, the Station performed research in many areas of engineering and science. The Station conducted research for a wide range of civil and private organizations, both within and outside of the United States. The list of clients includes the United States Department of the Interior, Washington State, the City of Seattle, the City of Vancouver British Columbia, and a number of private companies. Perhaps the Station's most notable work was an investigation of the Tacoma Narrows Bridge collapse in 1940. Much of the research on this problem was led by Frederick Burt Farquharson. Professor Farquharson received publicity for his construction of a quonset-hut wind tunnel, which he used to test full and sectional models of the bridge, simulating the violent winds that rocked "Galloping Gertie".

From the guide to the University of Washington Engineering Experiment Station records, 1923-1965, 1937-1956, (University of Washington Libraries Special Collections)