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VIV Solutions^® congratulates its founder, Don Allen, who was recently awarded his 50th U.S. Patent. Dr. Allen who, along with his team at Shell Oil Company (including long-time colleague Dean Henning), pioneered the tall helical strake and the short fairing which together comprise most of the Vortex-Induced Vibration (VIV) suppression devices in use today. He was awarded the patent along with his co-inventors Julie Dehne and the late Billy West.

Don received his Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering from Texas A&M in 1981, completed his PhD studies in Mechanical Engineering at Rice in 1986, and was subsequently awarded his degree in 1987. His PhD dissertation included the first known Navier-Stokes (CFD) solution for VIV.

Don worked at Shell for almost 24 years where he and his colleagues made numerous advancements in VIV modeling, VIV suppression, riser interference, oil spill containment booms, seismic cable modeling, pipeline on-bottom stability, and spar technology. In 2010 Don retired from Shell and founded VIV Solutions which has now been awarded 25 patents as a company.

Don continues to lead VIV Solutions and actively invents and develops new technologies. In his spare time Don cherishes his role as a husband and father to five children ranging in age from 6 to 24. He also enjoys assisting with church start-ups, photography and coaching high school baseball at Logos Preparatory Academy.