Clarence M. Zener National Academy of Sciences（克拉伦斯·m·齐纳国家科学院）.pdfVIP

Clarence M. Zener 1905–1993 A Biographical Memoir by John B. Goodenough ©2014 National Academy of Sciences. Any opinions expressed in this memoir are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of the National Academy of Sciences. CLARENCE MELVIN ZENER December 1, 1905–July 2, 1993 Elected to the NAS, 1959 Solid-state physicist Clarence M. Zener, an influential pioneer in the field of materials engineering that blos- somed after World War II, brought a deep curiosity and imaginative intuition to a wide range of fundamental scientific phenomena. The results brought not only transformative insights, but also produced innovations in numerous areas of practical application. His contribu- tions included the Zener diode; magnetic oxides formed through Zener double exchange; calculation of diffusion in metals from internal-friction measurements; determi- nation of the fracture strength of metals (as summarized in his seminal book Elasticity and Anelasticity of Metals); engineering optimization with geometric programming; and the identification of potential new technologies such By John B. Goodenough as thermoelectric cooling and the green generation of electrical energy from the oceans. Further, Zener’s insights tended to stimulate exper- imental inquiry and a new mode of thinking in virtually every field in which he worked. Zener was born and raised in Indianapolis, Indiana. His early development was slowed by the death of his father near the time of his birth, an early stuttering problem, and difficulty learning to read before age 10, which kept him from being sent to a public primary school. But Zener’s lack of early forma