Gary Nicholas graduated from the University of Sheffield with a First-Class MEng degree in Mechanical Engineering in 2016. He subsequently went on to study for a PhD in tribology at the same university. His MEng project, begun in 2015, involved conducting a detailed study of the lubrication of hydrodynamic thrust bearing pads using ultrasonic sensors to acquire detailed data regarding the lubricating film thicknesses supporting the thrust collar.
Since 2016 he has been studying for his PhD, developing a method for measuring loads in rolling element bearings and inferring the lubrication condition of each rolling element using ultrasound. These measurement techniques have been successfully implemented onto an operational high-speed shaft bearing of a wind turbine and real time, in-situ measurements of bearing load and lubrication have been successfully obtained. Features observed include the variation of roller load across different rollers within a bearing complement, variation of roller load and lubrication as a function of turbine operation, and various bearing lubrication conditions. While engaged in his PhD studies, Gary has supported several consultancy projects. These include: the use of ultrasonic transducers to monitor tools and workpieces during grinding processes, the development of an abrasion test apparatus for investigations into fan blade coatings, an investigation into alternatives for “silver nuts” and the development of a condition-monitoring system for a wind turbine gearbox using acoustic emission sensors.
Gary is considered to be a “creative researcher and scientist with a very strong understanding of physical principles” and with the ability “to adapt and apply them to tribological problems”. He has enjoyed a very successful academic career to date. He has received the EDF-PPRIME Workshop Best Poster Award and been recognised for outstanding academic achievements at the academic institutions where he has studied.
Gary is already a hugely accomplished young tribologist who has published the results of his studies in both peer-reviewed journals and at international conferences. He is an extremely worthy recipient of the 2020 Tribology Bronze Medal.