CITATION. 1997 TRIBOLOGY SILVER MEDAL AWARD

Citation

(1998), "CITATION. 1997 TRIBOLOGY SILVER MEDAL AWARD", Industrial Lubrication and Tribology, Vol. 50 No. 3. https://doi.org/10.1108/ilt.1998.01850cab.013

CITATION. 1997 TRIBOLOGY SILVER MEDAL AWARD

CITATION

1997 TRIBOLOGY SILVER MEDAL AWARDED TO

CHRISTOPHER JOHN HOOKE PhD, DEng

In recognition of his tribological investigation, in particular in the areas of elastohydrodynamic lubrication

Keywords: Awards, Hooke, C.J., Tribology

Dr Hooke graduated with lst Class Honours in Mechanical Engineering at the University of Birmingham in 1960, followed by a PhD and in 1992 a D.Eng of the same university.

Dr Hooke's first contribution to the tribology literature came in 1965 at a time when the Jost Committee was engaged in its deliberations. Since then, while contributing extensively to applied mechanics in general, he has demonstrated a constant tribological theme with emphases on elastohydrodynamic lubrication (particularly of soft solids such as seals and elastomer bearings) hydrostatic bearings, axial piston and gear pump lubrication, and non-metallic gears. Early work on the effects of elastic distortion on the performance of journal bearings was followed by studies, conducted with Rowe and O'Donoghue, on hydrostatic bearings which dominated activity in this field in the 1960s and 1970s not only in the UK but internationally. His profound knowledge of the effects of elastic distortions on lubrication has enabled him to continue his substantial contributions to our understanding of gear and pump lubrication over the last 20 years. With his conviction that the edge of the Hertzian contact is critical he has made possible the proper appreciation and exploitation of elastohydrodynamic computation. Recently, he has pioneered work on the tribological performance of polymeric gears.

His contributions to the literature analysing the phenomena occurring in "hard" and "soft" contact regimes with different geometries ranging from spur gear teeth to angular contact ball races and including one of his special interests, shaft seals, encompass the whole field. This work was central to the development of the ESDU (Engineering Science Design Unit) film thickness charts which provide a sound alternative to misleadingly simple power law formulae. Recently he has advanced the understanding of EHL contact formed by a rough surface. As contact loads increase and film thickness decrease, this has become a matter of growing industrial significance.

Dr Hooke's investigations have been accompanied by work with companies in industry, with a range of research establishments, with the National Engineering Laboratory and the Ministry of Defence. His efforts have attracted funding of the order of £2 million from industry, government departments and agencies. He has acted as a consultant on tribological matters to major companies, is a member of the ESDU steering panel and a College Member of the EPSRC.

In addition to working on his own contributions to the literature he has found time to be a tireless member of the Editorial Board of the Journal of Engineering Tribology since its launch. Dr Hooke is also a dedicated teacher who taught tribology for many years at undergraduate and postgraduate level. He is at present Reader in Applied Mechanics at the University of Birmingham and consultant in tribology to some internationally renowned companies.

Plate 1 Dr Christopher Hooke ­ 1997 Tribology Trust Silver Medal Winner. (Left to right) Dr Hooke, Mrs Hooke, Dr Jost

In 1990, Dr Hooke's analysis of EHL Point contacts was recognised by the award of the Thomas Bernard Hall Prize of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers. He is an outstanding UK tribologist with an international reputation whose valuable contributions to tribology make him a worthy recipient of the Tribology Silver Medal for 1997 (see Plate 1).