AK Steel, West Chester, Ohio, announces that Research Engineer and ASM International member Grant Thomas, Ph.D., has received the AISI “Finalist Medal” for the technical paper titled, “Tensile Properties Obtained by Quench & Partition Processing of Mn-Ni Steels at Room Temperature Quench Temperatures.” These products, which feature enhanced formability, are expected to help automakers further reduce vehicle weight and increase fuel efficiency without sacrificing occupant safety.
Written in collaboration with two research colleagues from the Colorado School of Mines, the paper highlights research by AK Steel and the Colorado School of Mines in regard to the development of third-generation advanced high-strength steels.
“We applaud Grant and his co-authors for receiving the Finalist Medal from AISI,” said James L. Wainscott, Chairman, President and CEO of AK Steel. “Grant’s contributions to the award-winning paper reflect his technical expertise, as well as AK Steel’s commitment to meeting the needs of automotive customers now and in the future.”
According to AISI, the Finalist Medals are awarded for technical papers having special merit and importance in connection with the activities and interests of the iron and steel industry. Papers are judged based on their potential value to the future prosperity of the industry, technical excellence and originality, effective communication and breadth of interest to AISI members.
Dr. Thomas joined AK Steel in 2012 as an Engineer at the company’s Research Center in Middletown, Ohio. He was promoted to Research Engineer in 2014. Dr. Thomas holds a Bachelor’s degree in Materials Science and Engineering from Iowa State University, as well as a Master’s degree and a Doctor of Philosophy, both in Metallurgy and Materials Engineering, from the Colorado School of Mines.
