William John Macquorn Rankine

Figure 1.9:

Portrait of Rankine

William John Macquorn Rankine (July 2, 1820 - December 24, 1872) was a Scottish engineer and physicist. He was a founding contributor to the science of thermodynamics (Rankine Cycle). Rankine developed a theory of the steam engine. His steam engine manuals were used for many decades.

Rankine was well rounded interested beside the energy field he was also interested in civil engineering, strength of materials, and naval engineering in which he was involved in applying scientific principles to building ships.

Rankine was born in Edinburgh to British Army lieutenant David Rankine and Barbara Grahame, Rankine. Rankine never married, and his only brother and parents died before him.