Keywords
Citation
(1998), "CITATION. 1997 TRIBOLOGY BRONZE MEDAL AWARD", Industrial Lubrication and Tribology, Vol. 50 No. 3. https://doi.org/10.1108/ilt.1998.01850cab.014
Publisher
:Emerald Group Publishing Limited
Copyright © 1998, MCB UP Limited
CITATION. 1997 TRIBOLOGY BRONZE MEDAL AWARD
CITATION
1997 TRIBOLOGY BRONZE MEDAL AWARDED TO
COLIN DAVID ELCOATE PhD, CEng, MIMechE
In recognition of his excellent work in elastohydrodynamic lubrication (EHL) modelling
Keywords: Awards, Elcoate, C.D., Tribology
Colin Elcoate (see Plate 2) studied Mechanical Engineering at the University of Wales, Cardiff taking a First Class Honours in 1990. After three years with Rolls-Royce Plc he returned to Cardiff in 1993 to undertake a PhD study in Tribology. His research was conducted into fundamental aspects of elastohydrodynamic lubrication (EHL) modelling and has been an unqualified success.
Plate 2 Dr Colin Elcoate Bronze
Medal Winner. (Left to right) Dr Elcoate, Dr Jost, Jack Schofield
The research project involved studying the numerical implications of coupling the Reynolds equation and the elastic deflection equation that define the EHL problem. To this end finite difference and finite element models of the hydrodynamic equation were developed and various ways of posing the fundamental problem numerically were investigated. In order to deal with the pure rolling configuration with a Newtonian lubricant it was necessary to develop a novel technique for weighting first- and second-order forms of the Reynolds equation.
The model developed has been found to be exceedingly robust. Solutions have been obtained in micro-EHL contact situations where the film thickness is much smaller than the dimensions of the surface roughness. This represents a considerable step forward in developing an understanding of important failure mechanisms of gear tooth contacts such as scuffing and micro-pitting.
Colin Elcoate became a member of the ImechE during his studentship. The method that he developed has already led to three publications, and will form the basis of new research effort at Cardiff into gear failure mechanisms. He has always shown an extremely professional attitude to his research work and is a worthy recipient of the Tribology Bronze Medal for 1997 (see Plate 2).