Longtime composites leader Scott Beckwith passes away at age 82

 

Dr. Scott Williams Beckwith, SAMPE global technical director and a well- respected figure in the composites industry, passed away peacefully at home on Feb. 7, 2024, after a long battle with heart failure and diabetes. Beckwith was 82 years old.

Beckwith was born on Feb. 1, 1942, in New York to John Williams Beckwith and Anne Marie Pitcairn. He grew up with a vested interest in becoming an engineer, earning his bachelor’s degree in aerospace engineering at Texas A&M University. After graduation, he got married and moved his family to California, where he then earned his master’s in aeronautics (materials) at the California Institute of Technology.

While in California, Beckwith served as a captain in the U.S. Air Force at Edwards Air Force Base, working in the Air Force Rocket Propulsion Laboratory (AFRPL). During this time, Beckwith become one of the few individuals who performed “characterization testing” of graphite fibers, which later led to the realization of “carbon fiber” terminology by Monsanto/Courtaulds. One major accomplishment was the resolution of a large presence of grain cracking in first-stage Minuteman motors, followed by the presentation of these results to Dr. Edward Teller (the father of the hydrogen atomic bomb). There began his love of composites, propellants and various rocket motor materials.

Beckwith eventually returned to Texas A&M where he earned a doctorate in interdisciplinary engineering (mechanics, materials and structures). Upon graduation, he began working in Salt Lake City, Utah, for Hercules Inc. (now Hexcel). At this time he also became a member of SAMPE — serving for almost 50 years —  and later, an employee of the organization, serving in many roles including global technical director and SAMPE Journal editor-in-chief. He also served 6 years on Texas A&M University’s Materials Science & Engineering Industrial Advisory Board during its rapid expansion period (2017-2023).

His dual role with SAMPE “part-time” and his personal consulting company, Beckwith Technology Group (BTG) Composites Inc., enabled Beckwith to provide emerging technology overview lectures in various fields of materials and manufacturing, including resin infusion technologies, fiber placement and filament winding, nondestructive testing (NDT), additive manufacturing, wind energy, tooling, etc. 

Beckwith loved his work, exemplified through more than 500 publications, including peer-reviewed articles and conference presentations. He served as an expert witness in more than 80 cases, with many involving design/installation of composites, new blades, trade secrets and process and design technology, product defect-induced failures, plus wind tunnel blade composites design and structures.

He has been recognized through multiple industry awards, including the SME Jud Hall Composites Manufacturing Award (1996), SACMA-SAMPE Materials Leadership Award (1999), Fellow Award (2003), SAMPE Distinguished Service Award – Inaugural (2016), SAMPE Mort Kushner Lifetime Achievement Award (2023) and was the Utah Council Nominee for Engineer of the Year 2016 Award by the SAMPE Utah Chapter (February 2017).

He held appointments from U.S. presidents (both Bushes and Clinton for a period of 12 years) to the Department of Commerce committees for expert negotiations on clarifying materials (fibers, resins, etc.) for or against “export under US EAR system,” as well as supported SAMPE in assessing ITAR technical papers. He also taught numerous courses at colleges and universities, and worked on a variety of innovative projects across many industries. If it had carbon fiber in it, Beckwith understood it — or could figure it out.

“Scott exemplified the spirit of our SAMPE community, and he will be missed,” says Scott Stephenson, SAMPE North America immediate past president. “He was incredibly generous with his time, and cared deeply for its members, and had an important role in shaping SAMPE into the organization it is today.”

Beckwith was an engineer to his core, even outside of work, and had a love for activities such as swimming or water skiing, and an even deeper love for his community. Beckwith is survived by his wife Shauna, four children, four grandpups and six close cousins. He was preceded in death by his father, mother and stepmother.

The family will hold a service at a later date to celebrate his life. To celebrate Beckwith’s work within the SAMPE community, please go to SAMPE 365 and share your thoughts and wishes on the Live Feed.