Talks and topics included advanced experimental characterization techniques (TEM, APT, DSC, SAXS) at the nanoscale and novel atomistic and mesoscopic scale modelling in aluminium alloy design with focus on nucleation and early stages, and how to manipulate thermomechanical processing to obtain the best alloy properties. Participants were researchers, postdocs and PhD students interested in these topics as well as representatives from industry partners.

 Several outstanding international researchers were invited to the seminar. They gave excellent presentations and valuable input to the scientific discussions. 10 of the participants came from the aluminium industry (Hydro, Speira, Neuman, Raufoss Technology) and also gave presentations on what is important, seen from an industrial point of view. The role of clusters was discussed in the context of industrial processing and modelling. The seminar was a great opportunity to have formal and informal discussions bringing us closer to understanding clustering and precipitation in aluminium alloys.
 

Visit to the Hydro aluminium plant at Sunndalsøra 

The day before the seminar, May 9th, the attendees were invited to join an excursion to the Hydro aluminium plant at Sunndalsøra. This is the largest and most modern primary aluminium plant in Europe. Here, Hydro presented their company and we experienced ‘live’ aluminium production, with a guided tour of the plant and the research centre.