Harshad ‘Harry’ Bhadeshia has carried out important work on the theory of solid state phase transformations, in particular the prediction and verification of microstructural development in multicomponent steels. He has made a major contribution to the understanding of the complex bainitic transformation by developing and using thermodynamic theory to show that different modes of transformation have measurable influences on the final microstructure.
He has also used the theory to design novel steels which should be resistant to wear and impact deformation, work that has helped in the large-scale manufacture of new rail steels. A similar approach has led him to produce a model for the microstructure on the fusion zone of steel welds, which is now widely used in research laboratories and in industry. He is the author of the sole textbook on the bainitic transformation in steels.
Subject groups
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Engineering and Materials Science
Materials science (incl materials engineering)
Awards
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Royal Society Armourers & Brasiers' Company Prize
In recognition of his outstanding work in the field of solid state phase transformation in steels, in particular for his research into the bainite transformations and for his invention of a carbide-free bainitic steel with enhanced wear and fracture resistance.
