In recognition of his outstanding contribution to tribology and in particular, to his work of developing and applying tribology to the metal industries.
Professor Stanislaw Jerzy Pytko graduated in 1954 as MSc(Eng) in Mechanics and Engineering at the Technical University of Mining and Metallurgy in Cracow, Poland. In 1964 he obtained his doctorate (PhD) and in 1967 he obtained his second doctorate (DSc). In 1978 he obtained his Professorship.
His association with tribology commenced in 1969 when he attended an international conference “Tribology in Iron and Steel Works” held in London. Inspired by the conference objectives, he set up a postgraduate programme of studies on lubrication technology at the Academy of Mining and Metallurgy. This postgraduate course was the first one in Poland dealing exclusively with tribology.
Professor Pytko’s work has been mainly focused on tribology of highly loaded concentrated contacts commonly encountered in mining and steel making industries. He studied pitting and scoring in gears and rolling contact bearings and the factors controlling both processes. His contribution to a better understanding of the role played by the shear stresses in the surface failure mechanism of concentrated contacts is now universally recognised.
His influence on the development of tribology research in Poland is paramount. Indeed he can justifiably be considered to be one of the founding fathers of tribology in Poland. Largely because of Professor Pytko’s personal commitment, initiatives and enthusiasm, tribology in Poland has been popularised and officially recognised as an important branch of engineering. He played a key role in encouraging and sustaining tribology research and has brought the importance of tribology to industry to the attention of the Polish Engineering community. Professor Pytko founded in 1970 and is now editor of the Polish Academy of Science scientific journal – Exploitation of Machines comprising parts: Tribology, Reliability, Exploitation and Diagnostics. Professor Pytko is also President of the Polish Tribology Society.
In research Professor Pytko has been outstandingly active at both fundamental and applied levels, and has particularly contributed to fundamental studies of the factors controlling failures occurring in rolling concentrated contact; the development of a novel lubrication/cooling system for machining of special alloys; the development of lubrication and cooling fluids based on metal complexes such as Cu Ni and Cr; and development of special lubricants for cryogenic applications and environments with substantial fire hazard.
Professor Ptyko has published over 150 papers in leading Polish scientific journals, as well as international journals devoted to tribology. A total of 7 patents have been granted to Professor Pytko, all of which have been for innovative solutions of tribological problems. Professor Pytko has also published 5 books and monographs on tribology in Poland.
In industry he has always been active in applied research and maintained close links with industry and helped to solve many industrial problems, including the development of wear resistant materials for compressors; synthetic hydraulic fluids, based on phosphate esters; automotive grease capable of operating at sub zero temperatures of 50˚C; water based cooling and lubrication fluid for milling operations; non graphite lubricating material for hot forging of brass; and novel bearing material for Wellman type mills.
Professor Pytko is widely known and respected by the international community of tribologists and has received many honours, including an honorary doctorate and honorary memberships from the various universities, tribology societies and groups in a number of countries.
Professor Pytko is a member of International Editorial Boards of scientific journals: “Friction and Wear” of Belarus Academy of Sciences; “Tribologija u Industriji” of Yugoslav Tribology Society; and “Tribologia” of the Polish Tribology Society. He is an honorary member of the International Biographical Centre Advisory Council, Cambridge, England; member of the Scientific Board of “Eurometalworking” in Italy; and a member of the Transport Academy in Ukraine.
An outstanding tribologist who has bridged theory with practical approach, Professor Pytko is indeed a worthy recipient of the 1995 Tribology Gold Medal.