Laurence Delisle Pellier

Laurence Delisle Pellier (1904–2004) was a metallurgical engineer who developed techniques for applying electron microscopy to metallurgical problems, researched alloy manufacturing methods for fine instruments and wires, and established a breadth of metallurgical testing procedures throughout her career.

Pellier was a specialist in physical metallurgy, particularly light and electron microscopy. Her participation as a member of the American Society of Testing Materials (ASTM) subcommittee on electron microstructure of metals generated micrographs of alloys and a multitude of publications about their metallurgical structures.

Early life and education Born in Paris, France in 1904, Laurence Pellier came to the United States in the 1920’s. Services that were offered: optical and electron metallography, physical metallurgy, powder metallurgy, consulting, and mechanical engineering. Pellier was presented with an honorary life membership in SWE with her 1962 SWE Achievement award.

In 2023, Pellier was one of six featured pioneers for Women’s History month at the National Inventors Hall of Fame Museum (NIHF) housed in the US Patent and Trademark Office.

Personal life Pellier (Laurence Delisle) married Christian (Rene) Pellier prior to coming to the United States in the 1920's. Electron Microstructure of Steel, Proceedings ASTM Vol. 50 (1950) Electron Microstructure of Bainite in Steel, Proceedings ASTM Vol. 52 (1952) Techniques for Ferrous Electron Metallography, Proceedings ASTM Vol. 53 (1953) Electron Microstructure of Tempered Bainite and Tempered Martensite,Proceedings ASTM Vol. 54 (1954) Electron Microstructure of Bainite, Pearlite and Tempered Martensite in Steel, Proceedings ASTM Vol. 55 (1955) Electron Microstructure of Bainite, Pearlite and Tempered Martensite in AISI 4140 Steel, Proceedings ASTM Vol. 57 (1957)