Douglas Hartree

Douglas Hartree was a British physicist and mathematician known for developing numerical methods to solve complex equations in atomic physics. He created the Hartree method, a way to approximate how electrons behave within atoms by simplifying their interactions, enabling more accurate calculations of atomic structures. His work laid the foundation for modern computational chemistry and quantum mechanics, allowing scientists to better understand the behavior of atoms and molecules through computer simulations. Hartree’s contributions significantly advanced the ability to study atomic systems beyond purely theoretical approaches, bridging the gap between mathematics and practical physics.