Ronald Probstein, professor emeritus of mechanical engineering, passed away at the age of 93 on Sept. 19. Probstein, who joined MIT’s faculty in 1962, was a leading expert in fluid mechanics. His research advanced a number of fields including spacecraft design, hypersonic flows, desalination, and the removal of toxic waste from soil. Born and raised in New York City, Probstein worked for the mathematician Richard Courant while studying for his bachelor’s degree at night at New York University. After receiving his master’s degree and PhD from Princeton University, he joined…
