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Memorial Tributes Volume 10 (2002) / Chapter Skim
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John D. Caplan
Pages 40-47

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From page 41...
... degree in chemical engineering from Oregon State University when he joined General Motors Research Laboratories on July 1,1949, as a member of the collegegraduate-in-training program. In September 1949 he was permanently assigned to the Fuels and Lubricants Department.
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From page 42...
... In this position he guided research programs covering engine combustion, exhaust gas after-treatment and air pollution studies, and fuel studies. Related programs included the evaluation of engine oils, rear axle lubricants, refrigerator compressor oils, synthetic lubricants, transmission fluids, and chassis greases.
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From page 43...
... Caplan also authored many other technical articles for engineeringjournals, including "Vapor-Locking Tendencies of Fuels—A Practical Approach" and "Smog Chemistry Points the Way to Rational Vehicle Emission Control." In 1967, Caplan was appointed technical director, basic and applied sciences, for General Motors Research Laboratories. lust two years later, he was named executive director.
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From page 44...
... He served as president of the Coordinating Research Council, as chairman of the Section on Industrial Science of the American Association for the Advancement of Science, as chairman of the Directors of Industrial Research, and as a member of the Advisory Council, Princeton University School of Engineering and Applied Science. Caplan served on two advisory committees for the State of California Department of Health: the Automobile Emission Standards Advisory Committee and the Motor Vehicle Pollution Control Board Advisory Committee on Criteria and Testing.
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From page 45...
... Recognizing that there was more to that field than the chemistry in which he had been formally educated, he studied mechanical engineering nights at Wayne State University, earning an M.S. degree.
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From page 46...
... What impressed me most was his willingness indeed, his eagerness to remain in the classroom just as long as questions were being posed never appearing rushed despite his demanding schedule. His great interest in nurturing quality reporting was not lost on anyone in that classroom." After his retirement in 1987, Caplan continued to evaluate research proposals for the National Science Foundation and the U.S.
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Key Terms

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  • carbon monoxide
  • evaporative emissions
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  • exhaust gas
  • model cars
  • leading expert
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  • chassis greases

  • synthetic lubricants
  • control automotive
  • equipment nationwide
  • mechanical engineers
  • programs included

  • outstanding contribution
  • societies tau
  • rear axle
  • kappa phi
  • rational vehicle

  • transmission fluids
  • preparedness association
  • assistant department
  • control board
  • hydrocarbon emissions

  • caplan negotiated
  • design changes
  • refrigerator compressor
  • motors named
  • standard equipment


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