Sfx: Plane roar
Cathleen Synge Morawetz is a problem solver. Morawetz's mathematical solutions
are fundamental to aerodynamics, acoustics and optics.
For most of her career,
these problems were solved at New York
University's Courant Institute.
Morowetz worked closely with Richard Courant, the Institute's namesake.
She also served as the Institute's first woman director.
Sfx: plane roar  We know how planes fly or do we?
What happens to the flow of air around an airplane wing
flying near or above the speed of sound.
If shockwaves form, drag increases. The more drag,
the more power required to maintain speed.
Her theory on transonic flow
lead to new studies in the design of
wings,  minimizing the size and effect
of such shock waves.
Cathleen Morawetz carved a path -- scattered with noteworthy research
and distinguished leadership.
