Robert Hadfield facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Sir Robert Hadfield, Bt
|
|
|---|---|
Bust in the Sir Robert Hadfield Building, University of Sheffield
|
|
| Born | 28 November 1858 |
| Died | 30 September 1940 (aged 81) |
| Nationality | British |
| Occupation | Engineer |
| Engineering career | |
| Projects |
|
| Awards |
|
Sir Robert Abbott Hadfield (born November 28, 1858, in Sheffield – died September 30, 1940, in Surrey) was a brilliant English scientist who studied metals. He was known as a metallurgist. He made a huge discovery in 1882: manganese steel. This was one of the very first alloys of steel. An alloy is a mix of two or more metals.
He also invented silicon steel in 1886. At first, this steel was used for its strong mechanical properties. It was great for things like springs and sharp blades. Later, it became very important in electrical devices because of how it behaves with magnets.
Life and Work
Sir Robert Hadfield was born in Sheffield on November 28, 1858. His father, also named Robert Hadfield, owned a company called Hadfield's Steel Foundry. This company was one of the first to make steel castings.
In 1888, the younger Robert Hadfield took over the family business. He worked hard and made it one of the biggest foundries in the world. A foundry is a place where metal is melted and shaped. From 1898 to 1939, he lived at Parkhead House in Whirlow, Sheffield. He wrote more than 200 papers about his research into metals.
He passed away on September 30, 1940, in Surrey.
Awards and Recognition
Sir Robert Hadfield received many important awards and honors for his work. In 1899, he was made Master Cutler. This is an important title in Sheffield, related to the city's history of making knives and steel.
He was made a knight in 1908. This meant he could use "Sir" before his name. In 1917, he became a baronet. This is a special honor that can be passed down in a family.
He was chosen as a Fellow of the Royal Society in 1909. This is a very high honor for scientists in the United Kingdom. He also became a member of the Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences in 1912. In 1933, he was made an honorary member of the Academy of Sciences of the USSR. In 1939, he received the Freedom of the City of Sheffield. This is a special honor given to people who have done a lot for their city.
He won several medals for his contributions to metallurgy. These included the Telford Medal in 1888, the John Scott Medal in 1891, and the Bessemer Gold Medal in 1904. He also received the John Fritz Medal in 1921 and the Albert Medal (RSA) in 1935.
Today, Sir Robert Hadfield is remembered in several ways. The Sir Robert Hadfield Building at the University of Sheffield is named after him. This building is where students study materials science and engineering. There is also a part of the Northern General Hospital named in his honor.
See also
In Spanish: Robert Hadfield para niños
