Steel: The Framework of Our Civilization

More than any other metal, our civilization relies on steel. Everywhere we look, we see it. Steel covers the bodies of cars, trains, and buses. Steel bars reinforce concrete walls and bridges, and steel I-beams support the floors and roofs of buildings. Steel is used in so many things that we take it for granted as we use our steel tools, tables, chairs, staples, zippers, and utensils without a second thought. And yet, such common use of steel has only been possible since modern steelmaking practices were developed about 150 years ago.

Cafe Scientifique brings Lisa Marie Dougherty from the materials science and technology division at Los Alamos National Laboratory to the complex this month to discuss the role of steel in our civilization. As she explains, Steel is an amazing alloy and the most important metal in modern civilization. But the more we depend upon it, the more we take it for granted. Most popular science magazines and television programs focus on new materials with exotic properties and carefully engineered structures. Yet even though the media features nano-scaled materials and devices, our civilization relies most heavily on macro-scaled constructions and vehicles, most of which are made, at least in part, of steel. It may not be exotic, but steel will always be as fascinating as it is essential to our way of life.

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