Features for Materials World

Materials and Big Physics

by Sharon Ann Holgate
Materials World
April 2018

The surfaces of the reactor walls in the International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor (ITER) will attempt to prove the feasibility of fusion as a large-scale and carbon-free source of energy. It is under construction in southern France and will be centimetres away from the 150 million °C plasma of deuterium and tritium fuel. To guard against this, 8–10mm thick beryllium armour has been developed for the 440 water-cooled copper alloy and austenitic steel-based modules of the blanket system, which lines approximately 600m2 of the fusion reactor’s plasma chamber. 

Driving Materials Forward

by Sharon Ann Holgate
Materials World
July 2017, pages 34-37

The current generation of bespoke supercars and sports cars relies on carbon fibre composites, specialist alloys and advanced design and manufacturing techniques for their extraordinary shapes, speed and handling characteristics. Pushing the boundaries of materials use and processing is enabling small, craft-based companies to create cars with truly unique qualities.

Sculpting the Urban Landscape

by Sharon Ann Holgate
Materials World
April 2015

For centuries, bronze sculptures have been cast using the lost wax process. But while Michelangelo would recognise the basic steps used by sculptors and foundries today, the process is evolving thanks to modern materials and laser-based technology. Meanwhile, computer-led design and manufacturing are changing how foundries produce art, and also enabling the creation of innovative public sculptures made from stone, resin and steel.