Series 7 - Consulting

0.6 m of textual and graphic records

Records in this series again document Etkin’s research and the application of this research by industry. Files most often contain correspondence, reports, notes and invoices relating to research undertaken. Early in his career, he worked as a consultant for several Canadian aviation firms including DeHavilland, Avro, and Found Brothers Aviation of Malton Ont. . By the early 1960s, professors of the UTIAS founded AERCOL Aerospace Engineering Research Consultants and as a member of this group, Etkin continued consulting work for the aviation industry including companies such as DeHavilland SPAR, General Electric and Goodyear, all of which had aerospace divisions.

Many of the client files documented in this series represent clients such as architectural firms and industrial firms requesting wind tunnel tests on structures, consultation on wind loads and the design and testing of air curtains. Of particular note is the wind tunnel test done for Parkins and Associates on the “new” Toronto City Hall design in 1960. The original award winning design had to be modified after it failed the wind tunnel tests. The initial uproar that ensued at city hall and in the media drew attention to Etkin’s research in his state of the art wind tunnel. For Etkin’s recollection of this event, see his recent talk to the Engineering Alumni Association found in Series 2 - Lectures, Talks and Seminars (B2004-0017/005(42).

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