Energy independence
Energy independence . . . materials make the difference
Wed, 22 April 2009
Our energy future depends on meeting materials challenges. B&W Y‑12, the contractor operating the Y‑12 National Security Complex, and Oak Ridge Associated Universities (ORAU), a consortium of 100 doctoral-granting institutions, played an active role in meeting those challenges by hosting this year’s ASM International educational symposium, which focused on the materials and advances needed to improve the way we produce, distribute, store, use and conserve energy.
“Our objective is to raise awareness of the broad range of materials challenges that must be addressed for the U.S. to meet our growing energy needs. We also hope to energize students, faculty and professionals working in these areas to meet the challenges. There’s no better place in the world to bring together people interested in materials.” said Kevin Finney, Y‑12’s chief technology officer.
Materials for Megawatts is sponsored by the Oak Ridge Chapter of ASM International, the materials information society, in partnership with the Y‑12 National Security Complex and Oak Ridge Associated Universities.
“A comprehensive knowledge of materials relative to power generation, energy storage and conservation is essential in moving America toward energy independence,” said Cathy Fore, director, Collaborative Initiatives, ORAU. “Materials for Megawatts offers a unique venue for increasing understanding about materials issues, as well providing practical approaches for enriching materials science teaching methods.”
The Materials for Megawatts symposium was held at Y‑12’s New Hope Center. It drew some 150 materials professionals and university students and faculty. Michael W. Howard, senior vice president of R&D at Electric Power Research Institute addressed the crowd. Speakers from the private sector, government and academia discussed advances in materials design as well as materials performance and processing to meet our future electric power needs.
A pre-conference Teachers’ Workshop was held at Oak Ridge Associated Universities’ new Center for Science Education. Led by ASM chapter members, educators interacted with approximately 60 science and math professionals to explore basic materials science concepts, learn about experiments and demonstrations suitable for the classroom, and experience hands-on activities to share with students. It is also designed to give teachers a glimpse of the opportunities and challenges offered by a career in metallurgy, materials science or related fields.
For more information, please contact Cathy Fore at 241.8158, or visit the website for details.