Alan Turnbull (scientist) facts for kids

Alan Turnbull (born 4 September 1949) is a British scientist and engineer. He studies how metals get damaged, especially by rust (called corrosion) and tiny cracks. These cracks can form when metals are in certain environments. His work helps make sure metal structures last a long time and stay safe. He is a top expert in electrochemistry at the National Physical Laboratory.

Education

Alan Turnbull studied science at the University of Strathclyde. He earned his first degree there in 1970. Later, in 1974, he completed his doctorate degree at the University of Bristol.

Research and Career

Turnbull started working at the National Physical Laboratory in 1973. This laboratory is a very important place for science in the UK. He became a Fellow there in 1989 and a Senior Fellow in 2011.

His main research focuses on how tiny hydrogen atoms can get into metals. When hydrogen builds up inside a metal, it can change the metal's properties. This can make the metal weaker and cause it to break. This problem is known as hydrogen embrittlement.

Dr. Turnbull has created special models to understand this process. These models help engineers predict how hydrogen moves through metals. They also show how hydrogen gets trapped inside. By understanding and controlling this, engineers can make metals stronger. This helps prevent failures and makes metal systems last longer. His work is very important for things like oil and gas pipelines, power plants, and systems that transport hydrogen gas.

He has also written eight important rules for industries around the world. These rules help make sure that metal products are safe and reliable.

Awards and Honours

Alan Turnbull has received many important awards for his work. These include awards from the Institute of Corrosion and the European Federation of Corrosion. He also received awards from NACE International, a global organization for corrosion professionals.

In 2011, he was chosen as a Fellow of the Royal Academy of Engineering. This is a very high honour for engineers in the UK. In 2013, he became a Fellow of the Royal Society (FRS). This is one of the most respected awards for scientists in the United Kingdom.

In 2016, he was given the Order of the British Empire (OBE). This award recognized his great contributions to science and industry.