Thomas Gu Wins First Place at Conference

Mechanical engineering PhD student Thomas Gu received the first place student platinum award at this year’s international STLE Tribology Frontiers Conference. Gu is advised by Q. Jane Wang, professor of mechanical engineering.

Gu presented a novel, practical, and highly effective idea to improve engine bearing lubrication performance and efficiency. He incorporated multi-scale geometry enhancements into the bearing surfaces for up to a 50 percent increase in oil film thickness. This work is part of Gu’s PhD dissertation, and he plans to incorporate his ideas into various other engine components to further improve engine performance.

Held in Chicago, the 2016 STLE Tribology Frontiers Conference highlighted the role tribology research can play in solving future scientific, engineering, and societal challenges in a variety of fields and disciplines.