Christos Constantinos Chamis, an ASCE life member who joined NASA in 1968 as an aerospace scientist during the Apollo missions to the moon, and advanced development of composite materials for the next 45 years, has died. He was 94.
Pioneering work in composites saw Chamis, Ph.D., F.ASCE, earn three U.S. patents, ranging from an exoskeletal engine to a noiseless hair dryer. His advances were logged in more than 500 publications. Over his four-plus decades he developed computational methods and computer codes for 3D inelastic analysis, probabilistic structural analysis, structural tailoring, and high-temperature composite mechanics across a wide variety of aerospace and jet engine applications.
Chamis worked primarily in Cleveland at the Research and Technology Directorate at NASA Lewis (now Glenn) Research Center. He retired at 82 as senior aerospace scientist, worthy of recognition on the Wall of Honor at the National Air and Space Museum in Washington, D.C.
Chamis was also dedicated to mentoring and teaching the next generation of engineers; he oversaw NASA’s Glenn/University graduate research program for 12 years and taught graduate-level engineering courses at Cleveland State, University of Akron, and Case Western Reserve. He reviewed technical proposals for the National Science Foundation and the Army–Air Force Office of Scientific Research.
He thrived in developing new composite materials, collaborating with esteemed colleagues, including industry and academic partners, fostering small businesses through the small business innovative research program, and planning, organizing, and sharing his research findings at international conferences and technical publications.
An immigrant from Greece, Camis worked for several years in a Cleveland factory during the day and attended night school to learn English. After receiving citizenship, he received a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering from Fenn College in 1958. Chamis’ passion for learning eventually led to his obtaining a master's degree and doctoral degree in engineering mechanics with a focus on computational structural mechanics from Case Institute of Technology. During his schooling, in 1961, he met the love of his life, Alice Yanosko, during a college dance for international students.
Chamis was elected ASCE fellow in 1994. Other awards and honors include the inaugural 1992 Aircraft Engine Technology Award in Cologne, Germany, and the 2003 NASA Distinguished Service Medal in Washington, D.C. Chamis was also selected as an ASME fellow in 1991, beginning his remarkable run of recognition for substantiative contributions by internationally recognized professional organizations, including ASCE (fellow 1994), AIAA (fellow 1994), and ASTM (fellow 1995), among others.
Known for the dedication he extended family in the U.S. and abroad. Chamis was an exceptional Greek dancer, typically found at the front of the line performing and supporting the flashiest dances. He and Alice chose to raise their children in Westlake, Ohio, with the support of his beloved Cleveland Greek community.
