Heather Ann Murdoch

Title: Heather Ann Murdoch: Innovator in Material Science

Introduction

Heather Ann Murdoch is a prominent inventor based in Baltimore, MD (US). She has made significant contributions to the field of material science, holding a total of 9 patents. Her work focuses on advanced materials, particularly in the development of innovative alloys and sintered materials.

Latest Patents

One of her latest patents is titled "Cemented carbide containing tungsten carbide and fine grained iron alloy binder." This invention describes a sintered cemented carbide body that includes tungsten carbide and a substantially cobalt-free binder made from an iron-based alloy. The iron-based alloy constitutes approximately 2-25% of the overall weight percentage of the sintered material. The tungsten carbide may comprise about 90 wt %, while the iron-based alloy may account for approximately 10 wt % of the overall weight. The invention also details the sintering process, which can be achieved through methods such as uniaxial hot pressing, spark plasma sintering, or pressureless sintering. The resulting material exhibits a hardness value of at least 15 GPa and a fracture toughness value of at least 11 MPa√m.

Another notable patent is "Stable binary nanocrystalline alloys and methods of identifying same." This patent focuses on identifying a stable phase of a binary alloy that consists of a solute element and a solvent element. The invention outlines methods for determining thermodynamic parameters related to grain growth and phase separation, which are crucial for identifying the stable phase of the alloy. The patent also discusses the calculation of enthalpy of mixing and enthalpy of segregation as key thermodynamic parameters.

Career Highlights

Heather has worked with prestigious organizations, including the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and the U.S. Government as represented by the Secretary of the Army. Her experience in these institutions has allowed her to contribute to cutting-edge research and development in material science.

Collaborations

Throughout her career, Heather has collaborated with notable colleagues such as Christopher Allan Schuh and Kristopher Allen Darling. These collaborations have further enriched her research and innovation efforts.

Conclusion

Heather Ann Murdoch is a distinguished inventor whose work in material science has led to significant advancements in the field. Her innovative patents and collaborations reflect her commitment to pushing the boundaries of technology and materials.