Gregory J. Hildeman

Aluminum Powder Metallurgy

Aluminum Powder Metallurgy (P/M) offers components with exceptional mechanical and fatigue properties, low density, corrosion resistance, high thermal and electrical conductivity, excellent machinability, good response to a variety of finishing processes, and which are competitive on a cost per unit volume basis. In addition, aluminum P/M parts can be further processed to eliminate porosity and improve bonding yielding properties that compare favorably to those of conventional wrought aluminum products.

The History and Archaeology of Materials Symposium

At the Materials Science and Technology 2005 (MS&T’05) conference held in Pittsburgh in September, nine papers were presented at the History and Archaeology of Materials Symposium. The conference was sponsored by TMS, the American Ceramic Society, ASM International, and the Association of Iron and Steel Technology. The symposium provided a forum for studies on the history and archaeology of materials, including papers from France, Mexico, the United Kingdom, and the United States. The fi rst session began with a quote made by Cyril Stanley Smith, a professor at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, in 1970: “The history of technology and science should be a signifi cant fraction of all history that is taught in schools and universities. It throws light on all aspects of man’s being and underlies all great social changes.” Smith’s comment underscored the overall purpose of the symposium of offering an opportunity for those involved in the scientifi c study, as well as those interested in the archaeology and history of minerals, metals, ceramics, and other materials, to exchange information, discuss ideas, and learn about the importance of materials to societies. The following are highlights from the six papers that are included in this issue of JOM. The fi rst paper, by Donald L. Gibbon from MATCO, Inc., is “How Roebling Did It: Building the World’s First WireRope Suspension Aqueduct in 1840s Pittsburgh.” This paper was particularly signifi cant since wire-rope suspension structures were fi rst built within a few blocks of Pittsburgh’s convention center, where MS&T’05 was held. The fi rst such structure was a wooden aqueduct on stone piers carrying the Pennsylvania Gregory J. Hildeman

TMS in 2004: The president’s perspective

ConclusionAt this time I want to take the opportunity to thank Alexander Scott, executive director of TMS, the excellent staff at TMS, members of the TMS Board of Directors, and TMS members for all their help this past year. I also want to thank my wife, Joy for all of her support throughout the year. In closing, let me say that it was my pleasure to serve as your president in 2004. I will continue to work to help TMS fulfill its mission as a leading international materials society.