1 Birdcage Walk
London SW1A
UK
Steels represent the most complex of materials known to man, with countless ways in which the variety of atoms within can be arranged to achieve impressive properties. This complexity makes design interesting because like any good design problem, there will exist many solutions that satisfy the final goal.
The design process can be costly, both in terms of time and monetary resources, so the trend is to exploit mathematical modelling based on a deep understanding of the subject to lubricate the process. However, mathematical models are not a panacea in the study or design of steels. This is because we simply do not understand many aspects of physical metallurgy, nor can we express all that is known into a quantitative framework. There is no `theory of everything’ in any subject.
In this lecture I will demonstrate how entirely new classes of iron alloys can be created to fulfill the tasks of extreme engineering, and which can be produced on a massive scale. Principles that help make judgements on whether a material can ever be successful in structural applications will be described, in the context of claims that certain materials can be hundreds of times stronger than steel.
This lecture is free to attend, book your place today and we look forward to welcoming you in March.