Professor presents research to Chinese delegation

11 June 2009

BU’s Professor Mark Hadfield presented his RNLI research at an international tribology seminar.

BU Professor Mark Hadfield, Deputy Dean of Research and Enterprise, from the School of Design, Engineering & Computing, has contributed to a prestigious international academic seminar.

He shared his knowledge and experience in tribology research (the study of friction, lubrication and wear) with a visiting Chinese delegation.

Entitled ‘Green tribology, saving materials, energy, improving the environment and the quality of life’, the seminar was held at the Royal Society of Arts, London and hosted by the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET).

It featured an impressive line-up of speakers, including the eminent academic and world expert in the field of Tribology, Professor H. Peter Jost, who is also President of the International Tribology Council.

Professor Hadfield presented the findings of his investigation into Wear Mechanisms for Lifeboat Slipway Launches, a research project carried out in conjunction with UK charity, The Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI).

Reflecting upon the seminar, Professor Hadfield said: “My invited presentation was part of a one-day seminar to the Chinese Tribology Delegation on the occasion of the 30th anniversary of the first British Technology Mission to China.

“The Chinese delegation of six key academics and industrialists was hosted at the House of Commons the previous day by the Director General for Science and Research, Professor Adrian Smith.”

Other themes discussed at the seminar included Automotive Engine Tribology: Fuel Economy and Durability; Tribological Application in Hydropower Engineering in China; Tribological Studies on Railway Transport in China and Structure of UK Tribology in Universities.

Academics from a range of Chinese universities, shared their research, including: Professor Si-wei Zhang, China University of Petroleum, Chairman, Advisory Board of Chinese Tribology Institute (CTI); Professor Qunji Xue, Academician, State Key Laboratory of Solid Lubrication, Lanzhou Institute of Chemistry and Physics (LICP), Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS); and Professor Minhao Zhu, Southwest Jiaotong University, Tribology Research Institute.

In addition to Professor Hadfield, the UK was represented by academics from University of Cambridge, Imperial College, London and University of Leeds. Industry was represented by Dr Ian Taylor, Technology Manager, Shell Global Solutions.

RNLI benefits from BU research