Tony F. W. Embleton in the Acoustics Section, Physics Division, of the National Research Council of Canada (NRCC)

Abstract

Tony completed his PhD in three years at Imperial College (London) studying under Dr. R.W.B. Stephens. He then joined George Thiessen and Edgar Shaw at NRCC to form the core of what became arguably the most influential and productive research group in acoustics in Canada from the 1960s to the 1980s. An important activity was service to industry, a role Tony embraced by collaborating with industry associations, participating in committees and directing his research activities. Working with George Thiessen, he succeeded in reducing the noise of couch rolls, a major source of noise in paper making, by randomizing the pattern of holes through which air was sucked to dry the paper. Other successful noise control projects included staggered stator blades for gas turbine engines and mufflers for rock drills. Tony made seminal contributions to outdoor sound propagation and refined condenser microphone calibration. In addition to his research and outreach, he found time for professional service to the ASA and CAA, including serving as founding editor of what is now Canadian Acoustics, and to develop standards and mentor younger scientists, He is remembered for his cheerfulness and willingness to provide advice and engage in conversation on any and all topics.