Background
Thornton, Earl Arthur was born on October 7, 1936 in Portsmouth, Virginia, United States. Son of John S. and Dora James (Weatherly) Thornton.
mechanical and aerospace engineering educator
Thornton, Earl Arthur was born on October 7, 1936 in Portsmouth, Virginia, United States. Son of John S. and Dora James (Weatherly) Thornton.
Bachelor of Science, Virginia Polytechnic Institute, 1959; Doctor of Philosophy, Virginia Polytechnic Institute, 1968; Master of Science, University of Illinois, 1961.
Research engineer, Newport News Shipbldg., 1961-1962; research engineer, David Taylor Naval Ship Research and Development Center, Portsmouth, 1962-1969; educator, Old Dominion U., Norfolk, Virginia, 1969-1987; visiting scholar, University Texas, Austin, 1987-1989; visiting professor, Texas Agricultural and Mechanical U., College Station, 1989; professor mechanic and aerospace engineering, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, since 1989; director Light Thermal Structures Center, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, since 1989.
Association fellow American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics. Member Tau Beta Pi.
Married Carrie Margaret Bailey, July 21, 1962. Children: Laura Ann, Charles Steven.