The Wagner model and molecular stress function theory define the significant contributions of Manfred Hermann Wagner to polymer rheology. Born in Stuttgart in 1948, he established a career spanning engineering, physics, and mathematics. His work focuses on the non-linear shear and elongational behavior of polymer melts, alongside the study of branching, blending, and polydispersity effects in material sciences.
Academic and Research Trajectory
Wagner completed his PhD in Chemical Engineering at the Institute for Polymer Processing of Stuttgart University. Following a post-doctoral period under Joachim Meissner at the Eidgenössische Technische Hochschule in Zurich and nine years within industry, he returned to Stuttgart University in 1988 as Professor for Fluid Dynamics and Rheology. He served as Dean of the Faculty of Chemical Engineering and Engineering Cybernetics there from 1998 to 1999. In 1999, he transitioned to Technische Universität Berlin, where he later acted as Dean of Research for the Department of Process Engineering from 2012 to 2016.
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The core of his research involves constitutive equations for polymer melts and the application of rheology to polymer processing. His molecular stress function theory modifies the tube model established by Doi and Edwards. By assuming that the tube diameter changes during deformation, the theory incorporates a microstructure-based damping function, a concept Wagner initially developed in the late 1970s. This approach addresses limitations in previous models by providing predictions that align with observed polymer chain behavior.
Professional Appointments and Recognition
Wagner has held several administrative and leadership roles, including President of the German Society of Rheology from 1991 to 2003 and President of the European Society of Rheology from 2005 to 2009. He served as Secretary of the International Committee on Rheology between 2004 and 2016. His academic standing is reflected in his membership in the European Academy of Sciences and Arts and the International Academy of Engineering. He was named a Guest Professor by the East China University of Science and Technology in 2006.
Awards and Publications
With a bibliography exceeding 300 papers, his research output covers solid state physics, carbon and graphite technology, and the processing of polymer melts. His honors include the Annual Award of the British Society of Rheology in 1981, the Swinbourne Award from the Institute of Materials in 2002, and the Weissenberg Award from the European Society of Rheology in 2011. He has been a Fellow of the Society of Rheology since 2017.
Fast facts
- Born: 1948, Stuttgart, Germany
- Primary Fields: Polymer science, rheology, mathematics
- PhD Institution: Stuttgart University
- Key Theory: Molecular Stress Function (MSF)
- Professional Membership: European Academy of Sciences and Arts
- Fellowship: Society of Rheology (since 2017)
- Significant Award: Weissenberg Award (2011)
Questions readers ask
What is the focus of the Wagner model?
It provides a mathematical formulation for the structure of polymer chains, specifically addressing non-linear shear and elongational behavior in polymer melts.
Where did Manfred Wagner teach?
He served as a professor at Stuttgart University and later at Technische Universität Berlin.
Achievements
- Held posts at Technische Universität Berlin
- Fields: polymer science
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