Jacques Denavit

Jacques Denavit died Sept. 12 in Pleasanton, Calif. He was 82.

Denavit was born in Paris, France on Oct. 1, 1930 to Georges and Marie (Arnould) Denavit. He married Catherine Dahlinger of Nashville, Tenn. in 1954 and they raised three children in Evanston, Ill.

In 1952, Denavit completed a degree in general mathematics and physics from the University of Paris and then received a master of science degree in electrical engineering from Northwestern University in 1953 and a Ph.D. in mechanical engineering from Northwestern University in 1956. He was a professor of mechanical and nuclear engineering at Northwestern University from 1958-82, a research physicist in the Plasma Physics Division at the Naval Research Laboratory from 1969-71 and a research physicist at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory from 1982-93.

Denavit co-authored Kinetic Synthesis of Linkages with Richard Hartenberg (1964); this work introduced the mathematics still used today for describing robotic motion that bears his name, Hartenberg-Denavit parameters. Regarded as a pioneer in the computer simulation of plasmas, he published numerous scientific articles and was honored by being named a Fellow of the American Physical Society. At Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, Denavit made important contributions to the fields of inertial confinement fusion and high intensity short pulse laser-matter interaction. He also conducted innovative research that significantly contributed to the national security mission of the Laboratory. Highly respected by his colleagues, Denavit was an advisor to Laboratory leadership and mentor to younger colleagues.

Denavit is preceded in death by his parents, Georges and Marie Denavit; a sister, Odette Jaeger; and a nephew, Bertrand Jaeger. He is survived by his wife Catherine Denavit; two sons, George Denavit (Mary) of Englewood, Colo. and Paul Denavit (Karen) of Woodbridge, Conn.; one daughter, Mary Phillips (Ned) of Piedmont, Calif.; and five grandchildren: James Denavit (Charise), Denver, Colo.; Mark Denavit, Atlanta, Ga.; Elizabeth Denavit, Vancouver, Wash.; Catherine and Emily Phillips, Piedmont, Calif. He also is survived by one sister, Monique Saubie (Jean) of Paris, France; two nephews Nicolas Saubie (Marita) and Jerome Saubie both of Paris; and one niece, Fanny Seminel of Lasalle-St. Cloude, France.

A memorial for Denavit was held at his home in Pleasanton on Sept. 14 with immediate family members in attendance. Memorial donations may be given to a charity of choice.