Ernest Kirkendall

Ernest Kirkendall (* 1914 in East Jordan, Michigan; † 22 August 2005) was an American chemist and metallurgist. He observed volume changes at the boundary between two metals when they are heated. This caused by different rates of diffusion effect is named after him Kirkendall effect.

Life

Kirkendall grew up in Highland Park, Michigan. He studied until 1934 at Wayne State University in 1935 and MA from the University of Michigan, where he also received his doctorate in 1938. 1941 to 1946 he was a lecturer at Wayne University. 1947-1965 Kirkendall worked in the "American Institute of Mining, Metallurgical and Petroleum Engineers ," then at the " United Engineering Trustees ". Finally, he was vice-president of the "American Iron and Steel Institute ."

Importance

Kirkendalls discovery was of great importance for the understanding of diffusion in solids, since through them the proof was that the diffusion via vacancies. In addition, the effect named after him affect the stability example of welded joints at elevated temperatures or under irradiation.

Private

Kirkendall was married twice ( with Maxine Marr and Anneliese Sisco ), he has two daughters and a son.