Earl A. Thornton Papers, 1885/2000

Access and use

Location of collection:
Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University
Special Collections, University Libraries (0434)
Newman Library
Virginia Tech
P.O. Box 90001
560 Drillfield Drive
Blacksburg, VA 24062-9001
Contact for questions and access:
Phone: (540) 231-6308
Fax: (540) 231-3694
Restrictions:

The collection is open for research.

Terms of access:

The copyright status of this collection is unknown. Copyright restrictions may apply. Contact Special Collections and University Archives for assistance in determining the use of these materials.

Reproduction or digitization of materials for personal or research use can be requested using our reproduction/digitization form: http://bit.ly/scuareproduction. Reproduction or digitization of materials for publication or exhibit use can be requested using our publication/exhibition form: http://bit.ly/scuapublication. Please contact Special Collections and University Archives (specref@vt.edu or 540-231-6308) if you need assistance with forms or to submit a completed form.

Preferred citation:

Researchers wishing to cite this collection should include the following information: [identification of item], [box], [folder], Earl A. Thornton Papers, Ms2010-026, Special Collections and University Archives, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, Va.

Summary

Extent:
5.7 Cubic Feet 11 boxes
Creator:
Thornton, Earl A. (Earl Arthur), 1936-
Abstract:
The collection includes research files, personal notes, audio recordings, videocassettes, photographs, and publications collected by engineer and professor Earl A. Thornton on the fields of aviation, aeronautics, and aerospace.
Language:
The material in the collection is in English.
Preferred citation:

Researchers wishing to cite this collection should include the following information: [identification of item], [box], [folder], Earl A. Thornton Papers, Ms2010-026, Special Collections and University Archives, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, Va.

Background

Scope and content:

The Earl A. Thornton Papers contain research files, personal notes, audio recordings, videocassettes, photographs, and publications on the fields of aviation, aeronautics, and aerospace. The research files include files on individuals and subject files, as well as publications. Additional materials include reproduction airplane blueprints, press reports about missiles and satellites, and a poster depicting the history of air travel.

Individuals listed include: Sir George Cayley, Octave Chanute, William Samuel Henson and John Stringfellow, Frederick W. Lanchester, S.P. Langley, Otto Lilienthal, Charles Matthews Manly, Charles Fayette Taylor, Theodore von Karman, Edward P. Warner, Francis Herbert Wenham, Wilbur and Orville Wright, Pearl I. Young, and Alfred F. Zahm. Topics include: Aerodynamics, Aeronautical Education Development, Aviation Progress, Challenger Launch Decision, Development of Aircraft Structures, The Evolution of Aircraft Design, Metal Airplane Construction, Propulsion, Structures History, Trusses, Wilbur Wright Memorial Lectures, and Wing Spars and Beam Columns.

Biographical / historical:

Earl Arthur Thornton was born to Dora Weatherly Thornton and John S. Thornton in 1936. He has a brother, John S. Thornton, Jr. and a sister Elizabeth Thornton Gardner. He is married to Margaret Thornton and resides in Virginia.

Thornton graduated from Virginia Tech with a Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering in 1959. Thornton went on to the University of Illinois to complete his Master's degree in Theoretical and Applied Mechanics before returning to Virginia Tech for a doctoral degree in Mechanical Engineering. Thornton graduated from Virginia Tech in 1968 and joined the professoriate. Thornton served at Old Dominion University (1969-1986), was a visiting scholar at the University of Texas (1987-88), and worked at the University of Virginia (1989-1999) until his retirement on May 24, 1999. Afterwards, he returned to Virginia Tech as a visiting professor in the Department of Engineering Science and Mechanics in 2000.

Thornton authored books on thermal structures and the finite element method and is an Associate Editor of the Journal of Spacecraft and Rockets. Thornton is a Fellow of the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA).

External Sources:

"RESOLUTIONS ADOPTED BY THE BOARD OF VISITORS, March 26-27, 1999", University of Virginia Board of Visitors, http://www.virginia.edu/bov/meetings/99mar/resolutionminutes.html, on The Internet Archive, https://web.archive.org/web/20160905002526/www.virginia.edu/bov/meetings/99mar/resolutionminutes.html, accessed June 21, 2023

"DORA WEATHERLY THORNTON HANNAH", Tyrrell Tides, Vol. 10, No. 2, Feb. 2004, http://www.johnowens.info/TyrrellNews/feb2004.htm, the Internet Archive at https://web.archive.org/web/20110308152306/www.johnowens.info/TyrrellNews/feb2004.htm, accessed June 21, 2023

Acquisition information:
The Earl A. Thornton Papers were donated to Special Collections and University Archives in 2000, as part of the Earl A. Thornton History of Flight Collection, containing over 800 volumes in the Rare Book Collection and the University Libraries collection.
Processing information:

The processing, arrangement and description of the Earl A. Thornton Papers commenced in May 2010 and was completed in June 2010. Additional materials were integrated and the description updated in June 2023.

Arrangement:

The collection is arranged in three series, based on material type:

Series I: Publications, 1933-1997, is divided into two subseries based on material type.

Subseries A: Conference Publications, 1981-1994, contains materials published from conferences held at various NASA facilities and at the Thermal Structures conference held at the University of Virginia, as well as a short course from the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics. This subseries is arranged chronologically.

Subseries B: Other Publications, 1933-1997, contains books, senate hearing transcripts, training programs, journals, and magazines. This subseries is arranged chronologically.

Series II: Research Files, 1885-1997, is divided into two subseries based on subject.

Subseries A: Files on Individuals, n.d., contains articles, pamphlets, and biographical information on individuals who had an impact on the fields of aviation and/or aeronautical or aerospace engineering and design. This subseries is arranged alphabetically by individual's last name.

Subseries B: Subject Files, 1978, 1989, n.d., contain research, articles, and reports on topics related to the field of aviation and aeronautical engineering. The original folder titles were used. This subseries is arranged alphabetically.

Series III: Audio/Visual Materials and Memorabilia, 1955-2000, n.d., is divided into three subseries based on material type.

Subseries A: Audiocassettes, 1978, contain audio taped transcriptions of "13 Famous Aircraft" given on 10-5-1978 by Paul Garber.

Subseries B: Videocassettes, 1978, 1996-1998, n.d., contain VHS recordings of documentaries, television programs, and films all related to aviation and aerospace science.

Subseries C: Prints and Memorabilia, 1955, 1981-2000, n.d., contain airplane illustrations, pamphlets, promotional photo reproductions, posters, and a visor. This series is arranged by material type.

Rules or conventions:
Describing Archives: A Content Standard