Obraztsov, Ivan Filippovich

Born July 28, 1920, in the village of Byki, present-day Maksatikha Raion, Kalinin Oblast. Soviet scientist in structural mechanics and the theory of strength of aircraft. Corresponding member of the Academy of Sciences of the USSR (1966). Member of the CPSU since 1944.

After graduating from the S. Ordzhonikidze Moscow Institute of Aviation (1944), Obraztsov taught at the institute (he became a professor in 1957 and was rector from 1958 to 1972). Since 1972 he has been minister of higher and secondary specialized education of the RSFSR.

Obraztsov’s main works deal with the theory and general methods of computation for the design of thin-walled spatial systems, particularly envelope-type structures, such as the wings, fuselage, and body of an aircraft. He also worked on design methods for developing optimum structures for specified reliability and survivability of aircraft under complex combinations of external loads and operating conditions. He was a deputy to the seventh and eighth convocations of the Supreme Soviet of the RSFSR. Since 1968 he has been president of the Znanie Society of the RSFSR. He has been awarded the Order of Lenin, two other orders, and medals.