Frontiers in Physical Metallurgy

A number of major developments are unfolding that affect Physical Metallurgy, and they all are likely to move the frontiers of the subject. Accordingly, the next meeting will consider these frontiers and evaluate where the discipline is going, based on input from the speakers, discussion leaders and participants. The unfolding of the Materials Genome Initiative prompts a discussion of how Physical Metallurgy should take advantage of the new techniques and contribute to the development of the Genome. Three-dimensional imaging is transitioning from technique development to application to a whole host of important problems such as fatigue in metals, particle coarsening, sintering, twinning, crystal plasticity. Mesoscale science has been established as an important frontier of understanding and has particular relevance to physical metallurgy in which so many properties must be addressed empirically such as corrosion resistance, and fatigue resistance. Additive manufacturing via 3D printing of metals shows substantial promise for being a game-changer in many respects.

As is the tradition of the Gordon Research Conferences, the meeting is founded on several fundamental pillars: to explore the frontiers of science, to foster debate on the future of Physical Metallurgy, to present unpublished and speculative work, and to engage world-class speakers. There will be a series of nine topical areas over four and a half days of technical presentation that address the frontier topics mentioned above, and more. The list of speakers and discussion leaders has been assembled with a view toward invitees with international stature, as well as a balance between senior and junior researchers. We aim to have strong participation by under-represented groups among the speakers and leaders, and to also provide ample support and encouragement for students, post-doctoral researchers and early career professionals.