My father, Jack Drinkwater, who has died aged 94, was a gifted physicist who made an early contribution to the field of quantum physics, supervised a precision engineering plant during the second world war and later pioneered developments in oil, gas and maritime technology.
Born in Edmonton, north London, Jack showed early promise at school and, encouraged by his physics master at Latymer school, Edmonton, north-east London, he studied physics at King's College London, then headed by Professor Edward Appleton, where he excelled and began work for his doctorate. His thesis explored the structure of the hydrogen atom using a then unique spectrophotometer that allowed measurements to be made in a vacuum.
Along with colleagues, Jack contributed to the emerging subject of quantum mechanics. The group narrowly missed a Nobel prize, which was eventually awarded to competing American scientists. When war broke out Jack was recruited to run a precision engineering plant in Slough that manufactured parts for armaments. The factory was soon producing parts to a higher standard than inspectors thought possible. Throughout this period Jack made a significant contribution to the provision of reliable weapons.
After the war, Jack continued his interest in physics but also qualified as a member of the Institute of Mechanical Engineers. He spent a short spell with BP in Basingstoke, before joining the applied physics laboratory at Shell Petroleum's Thornton research centre, which before long he led. During this period he made important contributions to the analysis of gas in tanker holds after the discharge of cargoes; work which helped to minimise the risk of explosions. His department also helped to improve the quality of lubricating oils and petrol and diesel fuels.
Jack developed a way to measure the speed and efficiency of a ship through water without transferring it to the measured nautical mile in the Mersey estuary. This involved placing strain gauges around the prop shaft to measure torque values, and lasers to measure the movement of the ship through water. Some of this technology has been superseded by GPS systems.
Jack retired in 1974, but retained a keen interest in physics, and science generally, until his death. He enjoyed travel, especially to South Africa, where his sister and family lived. He was married three times and is survived by four children and nine grandchildren.