The Institution of Engineering and Technology New Challenges in Tribology.
Robert Turnbull attended this year’s Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET) New Challenges in Tribology. A number of key note speakers attended the conference giving an insight to various industrial implications of tribology; automotive, rail, maritime and medical applications.
This year marks the 50th anniversary of the ground breaking report “Lubrication Education and Research” commonly referred to as the Jost report. The Jost report outlined the substantial savings that can be obtained through the application of the principles of Tribology.
Professor Jost, President of the International Tribology Counsel delivered a presentation on the day outlining tribology and productivity. Professor Jost is widely considered the founding father of tribology. It was an excellent opportunity to hear a talk from such a prolific member of the tribology community.
Professor Dowson a member of the Jost working party on Tribology delivered a presentation on the application of Bio-Tribology. This talk was particularly interesting as the workings of the Human body are fascinating. The natural lubrication utilised by the Human body is not replicated in the rotating machinery designed by man.
A number of other prolific speakers delivered a presentation:
- Professor Staffan Jacobson – Wear mechanisms revitalised
- Professor Robert Wood – Challenges of green tribology
- Dr Ian Taylor – The role tribology (and lubricants) can play in improving the efficiency of machines
- Professor Simon Iwnicki – Tribology of the wheel - Rail Interface
- Dr Kevin Cooke – Advanced PVD coatings for demanding tribological applications
During the day a poster event was held with each candidate delivering a short 2 minute presentation on their research. A panel of judges interviewed each candidate and evaluated their posters with certificates awarded to the winners.
At the end of the conference a discussion panel was held, with the opportunity to ask a panel of leading members of the tribology community questions. The day was a great opportunity to develop an understanding of the key areas of tribology and meet people in academia and industry. The facilities at the IET Birmingham Austin Court were excellent.
