Abstract
For 2000 years or more steel and its parent material, iron, have dominated the civilized world and it appears likely that they will continue to do so for a long time ahead. Steel has achieved this position because it is unique in possessing in combination the three characteristics of cheapness, strength and versatility. I propose to review the reasons behind these characteristics and to describe some of the ways in which modern knowledge in numerous branches of science has helped the steady advance in the technology of steelmaking. It will be shown that ferrous materials could not have achieved their position without a partnership with carbon, a material which is unique in other ways. Naturally numerous simplifications will be necessary.
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Schedule a callMore From: Proceedings of the Royal Society of London. Series A. Mathematical and Physical Sciences
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