David Pettifor facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
David Godfrey Pettifor CBE FRS
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 Professor D. G. Pettifor
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| Born | 9 March 1945 Keighley, England, UK
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| Died | 16 October 2017 (aged 72) |
| Alma mater | University of Witwatersrand University of Cambridge |
| Known for | Structure maps Computational materials science |
| Scientific career | |
| Fields | Metallurgy |
| Institutions | University of Oxford |
| Thesis | Electron theory of transition metals |
| Doctoral advisor | Volker Heine |
David Godfrey Pettifor (born March 9, 1945 – died October 16, 2017) was a very important scientist. He was a professor at the University of Oxford for many years, from 1992 to 2011. He studied Metallurgy, which is the science of metals and how they behave. He was also a special member, called a Fellow, at St Edmund Hall, Oxford.
Who Was David Pettifor?
Professor Pettifor was known for his amazing work with materials. He helped us understand how different materials are put together. He was a world expert in something called "materials modelling." This means using computers to predict how materials will act. He even helped start a special lab at Oxford for this work.
His Big Discoveries
Professor Pettifor wrote a famous book called Bonding and Structure of Molecules and Solids. This book explained how tiny particles, like molecules and solids, stick together.
He also created something very clever called "structure maps." Imagine a map that tells you what shape a metal mixture, called an alloy, will take. These maps helped scientists design new and better materials. His work was very important for Computational materials science, which uses computers to study materials.
His Education and Awards
David Pettifor earned his first degree, a Bachelor of Science (BSc), from the University of Witwatersrand in South Africa. Later, he got his advanced degree, a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD), from the University of Cambridge. His PhD work was guided by another famous scientist, Volker Heine.
Professor Pettifor received many special awards for his work. In 2005, he was made a Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) by the Queen. This is a very high honor in the United Kingdom. He also received the Royal Society Armourers and Brasiers' Medal in 1999. Other awards included the William Hume-Rothery Award and the Hume-Rothery Prize.
Professor Pettifor passed away on October 16, 2017, but his scientific discoveries continue to help us understand the world of materials.
