Gil Kaufman is a distinguished technical writer who knows quite a bit about alloys. I would say “he wrote the book on it” but, in fact, he’s given the engineering community something even more valuable–interactive databases.

“The draw is reliable numeric data in a flexible search system,” says Kaufman.

Read on for a sneak peek at the author’s Magnesium Alloy Database, the first of two new Knovel databases this month.

K-Exchange: You’ve recently authored the Magnesium Alloy Database, set to launch in December on Knovel. What specific topics & tips can Knovel Users look forward to?

Gil Kaufman: The Magnesium Alloy database will provide users with a fully searchable database providing data from very reliable sources as ASTM, MMPDS, and ASM Handbook.  Magnesium alloys are becoming more readily available and serving as suitable replacements for aluminum alloys in many applications.  Knovel enables users to explore opportunities for making such replacements.

K-Exchange: Why do you think databases, such as the popular Aluminum Alloy and the upcoming Magnesium Alloy content, are so popular among engineers?

Gil Kaufman: I believe they are relatively popular for two reasons: first, there are very few other places, perhaps none, where engineers can find direct access to numeric data without tedious searching though countless publications.  A numerically searchable database is far superior to other types of data systems.  Second, Knovel is very flexible and relatively easy for users to learn to navigate.  So the draw is reliable numeric data in a flexible search system.

K-X: Are there any major industry trends that are impacting the upcoming Magnesium Alloy database content?

GK: The major industry impact will, in my judgment, be the automotive/vehicle industry, where as I mentioned earlier, magnesium alloys are making inroads in replacing aluminum alloys in a number of applications, especially as castings.

K-X: What other projects are keeping you busy these days?

GK: Along the technical line, I have been busy writing technical books on the properties of metals, and have just completed a book on relational analysis being published by ASM as we speak.  As time permits, I am also active in genealogical research, and take an active part in the managements of resident affairs in the retirement community in which my wife and I reside, Cadbury at Lewes (Delaware).

K-X: Why do you like working with Knovel?

GK: Several things, first the people, and second, the process.  I’ve known and worked with Sasha Gurke for about 25 years, and greatly respect his innovative and entrepreneurial talents.  Sasha, Chris Forbes, and I go back to MPD Network days in the ’80s together. All the other individuals at Knovel with whom I have worked on a technical level have been responsive and helpful.  And I’m glad to see that Sally Fahrenholz has come aboard; I’ve known Sally for a number of years at ASM, and know her to be hard working and concerned about quality, consistent with Knovel goals.  The second half of it is all about the product…I believe strongly in the value of numeric databases, and Knovel agrees, so we are compatible.

This entry was posted on Monday, December 12th, 2011 at 7:14 pm and is filed under Knovel Updates. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.