R.H. Woodward Waesche *65

Born in Baltimore Dec. 20, 1930, Woody graduated from Williams in 1952 with a degree in physics. After graduation, he served in the Army’s Ordnance Corps and was stationed at Redstone Research Laboratory. His work in the 1950s led to the choice of the appropriate type of aluminum to ensure smooth combustion inside solid rocket motors. 

Woody earned a Ph.D. in aerospace and mechanical sciences from Princeton in 1965 as a Guggenheim Fellow. He became a senior research engineer at United Technologies Research’s Propulsion Laboratory, where he managed programs to develop combustion for air-launched missiles. A specialist on numerous rocket-based initiatives, Woody became principal scientist at Atlantic Research Corporation’s Propulsion Division. His advisory work for NASA produced findings on the space shuttle’s flow field after the 1986 Challenger disaster that allowed for continued operation of the shuttle. 

Woody became principal scientist at Science Applications International Corp., developing tactical systems and aiding U.S. defense by performing analyses of worldwide energetic-material and propulsion technologies. For 14 years he was editor-in-chief of the Journal of Propulsion and Power.

Woody is survived by his children, Charles and Ann. 

Graduate memorials are prepared by the APGA.