Perfecting Motion® is STLE's podcast series, hosted by STLE members and staff, that features conversations with leading industry professionals sharing their insights about being an STLE member, current issues, and trends impacting the global tribology and lubricants community.

In addition to listening, we encourage you to share the episode links with your colleagues, so others can learn more about our passionate and dedicated community. We also would appreciate you letting us know if you have any future topic suggestions for the podcast. If so, please submit your ideas to Robert Morowczynski at rmorowczynski@stle.org.

All episodes are archived and available at www.stle.org/podcast, as well as your favorite podcast streaming apps (Apple and Spotify)

      

Episode 25 | Tribology Spotlight: Emerging Research Poster Winners

Contributors: Robert Morowczynski, STLE Director of Professional Development, Ujjawal Arya, Ph.D Candidate School of Engineering at Purdue University, Joseph Shore, Research Associate at SKF UTC

Release date: March 31, 2025 | 24 mins
 

This month we feature two of our poster competition winners from the 2024 STLE Annual Meeting.  With us we have Joseph Shore who presented on "Predicting Electric Vehicle Transmission Efficiency Using a Thermally Coupled Lubrication Tool", and Ujjawal Arya with his research on "A Novel Multiphase CFD Model for Investigating the Flow Dynamics of Aerated Bubbles in Bearing Lubrication." Join us as we talk about where these two got these great ideas from and where their research as taken them since.

Episode 24 | The Tribology of Tires

Contributors: Robert Morowczynski, STLE Director of Professional Development, Anurag Warhadpande, Bridgestone Tire Company

Release date: February 27, 2025 | 26 mins
 

In this month's episode I sit down with Anurag Warhadpande from Bridgestone Americas.   This podcast explores the critical role of tribology in tire performance, highlighting how factors like traction, wear, and noise are influenced by the tire-road interaction.  Anurag discusses the science behind tire friction, including the mu-slip curve and road texture effects, as well as how wear mechanisms align with Archard’s Wear Law. The conversation also delves into the evolving needs of tires for electric vehicles, the rise of smart tire technology, and sustainability efforts such as bio-based materials and recycling innovations. Looking ahead, we examine future opportunities in tire development, including AI and IoT advancements, while debunking common misconceptions about tires.

Episode 23 | The Tribology of Footwear

Contributors: Robert Morowczynski, STLE Director of Professional Development, Melissa Mushrush, MOLYKOTE® Specialty Lubricants, and Katherine Helmetag, Henkel NA Operations

Release date: January 27, 2025 | 28 mins
 

In this month’s episode we sit down with Melissa Mushrush of MOLYKOTE® Specialty Lubricants and Kathy Helmetag of Henkel North American Operations. Together, they explore the fascinating role of tribology in footwear. From icy sidewalks to slick dance floors, we uncover how tread design, materials, and surface conditions influence friction between our shoes and the ground. Learn why snow boots grip where high heels slip, how polyurethane soles might hydroplane, and what makes basketball games so squeaky. We’ll even dive into the science behind ice skating and dancers’ controlled friction, plus the surprising tribological tricks animals use to navigate their environments. Whether you're a footwear or tribological enthusiast, this episode will give you a new appreciation for the science beneath your feet.

Episode 22 | The Tribology of Climbing  

Contributors: Robert Morowczynski, STLE Director of Professional Development, Hannes Grillenberger, Schaeffler Technologies

Release date: January 6, 2025 | 17 mins
 

In this month's episode we sit down with Dr. Hannes Grillenberger, Product Manager at Schaeffler, as we talk about the tribology of climbing.   Dr. Grillenberger, an experienced climber, reviews how he uses his understanding of tribology to help him choose equipment, techniques, and routes when climbing.   Climbing, a physically and mentally demanding sport, involves ascending natural rock formations or artificial walls using specialized techniques and equipment. Dr. Grillenberger and other tribologists find particular interest in the friction and wear considerations inherent to climbing gear, such as ropes, harnesses, and footwear, as well as the tribological properties of rock surfaces that influence grip and ascent strategies. 

Episode 21 | The STLE Annual Meeting is an Unparalleled Opportunity to Connect, Learn and Achieve  

Contributors: Robert Morowczynski, STLE Director of Professional Development

Release date: December 1, 2024 | 17 mins
 

This month we look back at our Annual Meeting from May of 2024 in Minneapolis.  I took the time to interview some of our attendees on their attendance at the meeting and what about the meeting was important to them. Industry professionals to network, learn, and grow together for several days.  This year we will convene in Atlanta at the Hyatt Regency from May 18-22, 2025.   Over the course of these 4 days we will over 11 full-day education courses, over 150 technical sessions, a keynote speaker, and numerous networking opportunities.  For more information and registration to the Annual Meeting, visit STLE Atlanta Annual Meeting 2025.

We have a wealth of materials to help you advance your career through our TLT Magazine, webinars, and in-person conferences. We look forward to hearing more about how STLE can help you, and to seeing you in Atlanta.

Episode 20 | Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning in Tribology Update 

Contributors: Robert Morowczynski, STLE Director of Professional Development, Omar Zouina, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology, Max Marian, Leibniz University Hannover, Nick Garabedian, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology.

Release date: October 28, 2024 | 45 mins
 

For our October episode we are following up with instructors from the Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning education course from our 2024 STLE Annual Meeting in Minneapolis.   Returning from that course is Max Marian of Leibniz Universität Hannover, Nick Garabedian of Karlsruhe Institute of Technology, and Omar Zouina of Karlsruhe Institute of Technology moderates as we discuss updates to this rapidly evolving field and it's advancements related to Tribology.  

If you want to hear more about how Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning play a role in technology, consider signing up for our education course at our Annual Meeting in Atlanta on May 18, 2025.  AI-ML is just one of the many courses we will be offering this year in addition to over 100 technical sessions, panel discussions, and numerous networking opportunities.  Registration opens in early November, but for more information, click here: https://www.stle.org/AnnualMeeting/call.

Episode 19 | STLE Student Members Speak Out

Contributors: Robert Morowczynski, STLE Director of Professional Development, Nicole Rosik, STLE UK Student Chapter, Andrew Velasquez, SwRI, Parker LaMascus, doctoral candidate University of Pennsylvania, Alexander MacLaren, PCS Instruments and Manisha Tripathy, Bruker Nano.

Release date: September 28, 2024 | 29 mins
 

From networking and professional development to mentorship and community involvement, our student guests will share their personal stories and insights into how membership has positively impacted their lives. Whether you're a current member, considering joining, or simply curious about what the association has to offer, this podcast is for you

Episode 18 | Industrial Lubricants Development from a Sustainability Standpoint

Contributors: Robert Morowczynski, STLE Director of Professional Development, Pang Ling Ong, Infineum

Release date: August 26, 2024 | 15 min
 

This month’s episode talks about increasingly integrating sustainability into core business strategies, setting clear targets for greenhouse gas reductions, and publicly reporting on their progress. Joining us we have Pang Lin Ong, a longtime member of the STLE CLS committee member, and current Business Growth Manager at Infineum. Pang looks at efforts to develop more sustainable products and focus on using renewable feedstocks, extending product lifespan through advanced formulations, and improving recycling and reuse practices. While challenges remain, especially in the realm of grease disposal, the industry is actively collaborating to find solutions for lubrication, demonstrating a strong commitment to a low-carbon future.

Episode 17 | Aerospace in Tribology

Contributors: Robert Morowczynski, STLE Director of Professional Development, Dr. Chris DellaCorte, University of Akron, and Dr. Andrey Voevodin, University of North Texas.

Release date: July 29, 2024 | 35 min
 

This month's episode talks about the often-overlooked world of friction, wear, and lubrication in aerospace.  Discussing the importance of tribology in space travel, we have former NASA Senior Tribology Technologist, and current University of Akron Mechanical Engineering Professor, Dr. Christopher DellaCorte.  Also on our panel, former Air Force Research Laboratory Nanoelectric Materials and Process Research Team Leader, and current Associate Dean for Research at the University of North Texas, Dr. Andrey Voevodin.  We'll dive into the changing landscape of space with the emergence of private industries versus traditional government run entities.  Finally, we will consider where we have been and where we are going as humans continue to follow their desire to explore the stars.  Join us as we discuss the ingenious materials, coatings, and lubricants that ensure a frictionless ride into the sky and to the future.

Also, be prepared for Aerospace Tribology technical sessions at our 2025 Annual Meeting in Atlanta.  These will showcase presentations on tribological advancements related to both astronautical and aeronautical applications. These applications function under conditions very different from those on earth, requiring innovative solutions to tribological challenges. As human exploration extends from low earth orbit to the lunar surface to the depths of space, tribology research tailored to aerospace applications will become increasingly important.  Check in with https://www.stle.org/annualmeeting  for more information on the 2025 Annual Meeting.

Episode 16 | Engine Lubricant Testing

Contributors: Robert Morowczynski, STLE Director of Professional Development, Bill Anderson Afton Chemical, Robert Warden and Patrick Lang Southwest Research Institute.

Release date: June 24, 2024 | 35 min
 

This month’s episode focuses on engine lubricant testing methods.  We consider what drives engine test methods, types of tests, why we do them, and why we worry about them.  The discussion also goes into the differences between diesel and gasoline engines along with the special test fuel used for them.  Hosting this podcast is STLE board member Bill Anderson from Afton Chemical.  He is joined by guests Robert Warden and Patrick Lang both from the Southwest Research Institute.

Episode 15 |Titans of Tribology

Contributors: Robert Morowczynski, STLE Director of Professional Development, Doug Sackett, CLS, MLT, Senior Field Engineer/Blender QA/OC Manager, TotalEnergies Lubricants 

Release date: May 23, 2024 | 12 min
 

Join us for our first episode in a series we call "Titans of Tribology". For this installment, and fresh off receiving the Raymond Thibault Award at the 2024 STLE Annual Meeting, we interview STLE member Doug Sackett. Doug discusses his unlikely journey into the field of tribology, some mentors and their advice from along the way, and how STLE helped shape and guide him to success in his career.

Episode 14 | STLE Membership Benefits

Contributors: Julie O’Rouke, STLE Membership Manager, STLE President Hong Liang (Texas A&M University), STLE Vice President Jack McKenna (Sea-Land Chemical Co.), and STLE Treasurer Steffen Bots (LUBESERV)

Release date: April 17, 2024 | 21 min

 

 


In Episode 14, STLE Membership Manager Julie O'Rourke sits down with members of STLE's Executive Committee: STLE president Hong Liang (Texas A&M University), STLE Vice President Jack McKenna (Sea-Land Chemical Co.), and STLE Treasurer Steffen Bots (LUBESERV) to talk about the benefits that come with an STLE membership. The group discusses what it means to be an STLE member, how their membership has advanced their careers, and reflects on the mentors they have met along the way that could have only been facilitated by being a part of the STLE community.

 

Episode 13 | Women in Tribology

Contributors: Rebecca Lintow, STLE Executive Director, Mandi McElwain, Senior Sales Account Manager, Univar Solutions; Fran Lockwood, President, Solar Energy Solutions LLC
 


Release date: March 26, 2024 | 18 min

 


In Episode 13, we continue STLE's celebration of Women in Tribology. STLE executive director, Rebecca Lintow interviews members Mandi McElwain and Fran Lockwood who discuss their career paths and experiences, as well as opportunities to bring more women into the field of tribology and lubrication. For more information on Women in Tribology, download a copy of STLE's new digital publication: STLE Women in Tribology and Lubrication: Perspectives From Leaders in the Field.

Episode 12 | Rheology Testing

Contributors: Dr. Peter Lee, FSTLE, Institute Engineer and Chief Tribologist, Southwest Research Institute, Kartik Pondicherry, Principal Scientist and Product Manager, Anton Paar GmbH, Carlos Sanchez, Senior Research Engineer, Southwest Research Institute

Release date: February 14, 2024 | 37 min

 

In Episode 10 of this podcast series, we explored tribology testing and how it can be used to improve sustainability.  In this Episode, we explore the use of rheology testing for the same purpose. Rheology is the study of the deformation and flow of solids and liquids. Rheology has applications in materials science, human biology, pharmaceutics, engineering, food science and geophysics, to name just a few. The use of rheology has a huge potential for improved sustainability and in this Episode, we will talk about a few of these areas.

Episode 11 | The Tribology of Eating Chocolate

Contributors: Dr. Neil Canter, STLE Advisor, Technical Programs and Services, Dr. Siavash Soltanahmadi, Research Fellow, University of Leeds, UK 

Release date: November 16, 2023 | 22 min

 

The role of tribology in facilitating the move to sustainability does not just involve reducing friction and wear in industrial machinery and automobiles, but also is critical in gaining a better understanding of what we eat and what steps can be taken to improve the availability of healthier foods. This episode focuses on the topic of chocolate and research that is ongoing to better understand how this food is eaten and how tribology is used to better understand this process. A discussion is held with Dr. Siavash Soltanahmadi, Research Fellow at the University of Leeds (UK), who describes ongoing research trying to better understand the process of eating dark chocolate. When eating a piece of chocolate, an enjoyable sensation is felt due to the creamy feel of this food which provides a textural sensation. In discussing the eating of chocolate, a phase transfer takes place as the solid chocolate transitions into a molten fat phase followed by introduction of saliva, leading to the formation of an emulsion as digestion is initiated. Through a series of studies using a tongue-like surface, oral tribology is used to better understand the eating process. From this work, a multiscale tribology-informed smart design of chocolate is proposed that uses a gradient technology to retain the pleasurable eating sensation, but reduces the fat content of chocolate, leading to a healthier food.

Episode 10 | Tribology Testing

Contributors: Dr. Peter Lee, FSTLE, Institute Engineer and Chief Tribologist, Southwest Research Institute, George Plint, Director, Phoenix Tribology Ltd., and Dr. Dirk Drees, CEO, Falex Tribology Belgium

Release date: April 12, 2023 | 32 min
 


Tribology, the scientific study of lubrication, friction and wear, is as old as the world itself and can be found in almost every application. The word itself was not entered into the English dictionary until 1966 at the time of The Jost Report. The use of tribology to solve friction and wear problems through the life cycle of a product from manufacture, use and recycling can be used to improve sustainability. This podcast looks at how tribology testing can be used to improve sustainability, and benchtop rigs can be used to scale down full-size application and achieve usable realistic results that can then be scaled back up for real-life applications.
 

Episode 9 | Hydrogen as a Fuel for an Internal Combustion Engine

Contributors: Dr. Neil Canter, STLE Advisor, Technical Programs and Services, Mike Copeland, Owner and CEO, Arrington Performance

Release date: October 5, 2022 | 26 min
 


The search for finding a way to commercialize vehicles that generate no emissions has led the automotive industry to work with batteries and fuel cells. But another approach is to take the basic internal combustion engine (ICE) and substitute hydrogen as a fuel for both gasoline and diesel fuel. This podcast examines the potential for hydrogen internal combustion engines. In this engine, hydrogen reacts with oxygen in the air as part of a combustion process, but the only byproduct is water. The initial results are quite favorable. Without the use of hydrocarbon fuels, the ICE runs much cleaner and the motor oil used is not impacted. The motor oil looks as pristine as when it was initially put in the engine. There is the potential for the motor oil to last at least 50,000 miles. The conclusion from this podcast is that hydrogen not only has the potential to be a short-term answer to reduce automotive emissions but could also be a long-term solution.

Episode 8 | Nuclear Power – A Clean Energy Option

Contributors: Dr. Neil Canter, STLE Advisor, Technical Programs and Services, Robin Manley, Vice President, New Nuclear Power Development, Ontario Power Generation

Release date: July 26, 2022 | 37 min
 


Nuclear power is emerging as a viable energy generation option that does not release greenhouse gases in contrast to fossil fuel energy sources. While the nuclear power industry has come under scrutiny due to past issues with specific plants, overall, the industry practices excellent safety protocols and nuclear power plants operate in a very safe manner. Currently, nuclear power contributes about 10 percent of global electricity production behind coal, gas, and hydro, according to a 2019 study by the International Energy Agency (IEA). There is interest in bringing on additional nuclear power capacity to assist with reducing greenhouse gas emissions attributed to power generation. This episode includes a discussion with a representative from the nuclear power industry to get an update on whether adding more nuclear power plants is under consideration as an energy generating option. This podcast focuses on the growing interest in using small modular reactors (SMRs), which are downsized versions of existing nuclear power plants that can be designed for operation in specific locations that may be remote or have a specific power requirement that cannot be handled by existing power generation options. Prefabrication of the components used in SMRs is discussed, as this is an advantage in reducing the cost of manufacturing nuclear reactors. Components can be shipped to the location where the SMR will be placed and installed at that point in a similar manner to using Lego bricks. Episode Transcript

Episode 7 | Green Chemistry 

Contributors: Dr. Neil Canter, STLE Advisor, Technical Programs and Services, Dr. David Constable, Science Director, The American Chemical Society’s Green Chemistry Institute®

Release date: June 10, 2022 | 24 min
 

As the move towards sustainability continues, attention needs to be paid to sourcing raw materials that can be designated as sustainable. Since all raw materials used in formulating lubricants are chemical substances, this leads to a discussion about green chemistry and how it can be used as a way to produce sustainable lubricants. This episode features a conversation with Dr. David Constable, Science Director for the American Chemical Society’s Green Chemistry Institute® to gain a better perspective on this topic. Among the subjects explored with Dr. Constable includes the relationship between green chemistry and sustainability, life cycle analysis, a review of the Sustainability Development Goals, in general, and the specific goal focused on “affordable and clean energy and the future of green chemistry/sustainability.” Episode Transcript

Episode 6 | Sustainable Use of Plastic Waste in the Production of Fuels and Lubricants

Contributors: Dr. Neil Canter, STLE Advisor, Technical Programs and Services, Dr. Dionisios (Dion) G. Vlachos, Unidel Dan Rich Chair in Energy Professor of Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering, University of Delaware, Dr. Massimiliano (Max) Delferro, Chemist, Group Leader, Dr. Ryan Hackler, Postdoctoral Researcher, Dr. Robert Kennedy, Postdoctoral Researcher, Chemical Sciences & Engineering Division, Argonne National Laboratory

Release date: April 13, 2022 | 46 min
 

Global plastic waste generation has doubled over the past 20 years with two-thirds of the waste having been produced over the past 5 years. Microplastics, smaller than 5 millimeters (0.2 inch), is a growing concern in our air and water. Plastics now account for 3.4% of total global greenhouse gas emissions. Recycling has been ongoing for some time but only 9% of all plastics used globally are recycled. This episode explores the potential for converting waste plastic into fuels and lubricants in a process known as upcycling. Representatives from two different groups working on this challenge provide an update on what they are doing to upcycle waste plastic and share insights on how soon commercial applications will be available to help reduce plastic waste and enable plastics to contribute sustainably to our growing global circular economy. Episode Transcript

Episode 5 | Improving the Sustainability for the Internal Combustion Engine

Contributors: Dr. Neil Canter, STLE Advisor, Technical Programs and Services, Lake Speed, Jr., Vice President of Sales and Marketing, Total Seal Piston Rings

Release date: January 26, 2022 | 37 min
 

The automotive industry is moving away from automobiles powered by internal combustion engines to battery electric vehicles to reduce emissions and improve sustainability. But internal combustion engine-powered vehicles will not be going away any time soon. Steps being taken currently to improve the sustainability of the internal combustion engine will be discussed in this podcast. A focus point of the discussion will be the race car industry which is innovating to a high degree. The hope is that these innovations will become available soon in consumer-driven vehicles. Episode Transcript

Episode 4 | The Role of Nanotribology in the Quest for Sustainability

Contributors: Dr. Neil Canter, STLE Advisor, Technical Programs and Services, Dr. Steven Thrush, Tribologist, U.S. Army DEVCOM Ground Vehicle Systems Center, and Dr. Marina Ruths, Professor of Chemistry, University of Massachusetts Lowell

Release date: December 1, 2021 | 40 min
 

Nanotribology is a growing field within tribology that studies the interactions of materials at the nanoscale which is an extremely small domain. In an effort to reduce friction and wear, improve efficiency and reduce emissions, a better understanding of how friction and wear can be minimized at the nanoscale is very important. This podcast discusses nanotribology with two experts in the field. Episode Transcript

Episode 3 | How 3D Printing Moves Us Towards Sustainability

Contributors: Dr. Neil Canter, STLE Advisor, Technical Programs and Services, Dr. Anthony Rollett, U.S. Steel Professor of Metallurgical Engineering & Materials Science and Faculty Co-Director, Next Manufacturing Center on Additive Manufacturing, Carnegie Mellon University, and Dr. Wojtek Misiolek, Chair of the Department of Materials Science and Engineering and Director of The Loewy Institute, Lehigh University 

Release date: October 27, 2021 | 38 min

 

3D printing, also known as additive manufacturing, is growing in the manufacturing sector because it provides an approach for making complex parts without generating waste. This technique is working well for plastic resins, but 3D printing metal alloys has been more challenging. In this episode, we speak with two experts conducting research on the 3D printing of metal alloys to gain their perspective on how the technology is progressing, as we continue on the path to sustainability. Episode Transcript

Episode 2 | Potential Benefits of Tribochemistry

Contributors: Dr. Neil Canter, STLE Advisor, Technical Programs and Services, Dr. Kuldeep Mistry, Product Development Specialist, The Timken Company, and Dr. Nicolas Argibay, Staff Scientist in the Materials Sciences Center at the U.S. Department of Energy’s Sandia National Laboratories 

Release date: September 15, 2021 | 40 min

 

One approach for perfecting motion through the reduction of friction and wear is to examine the potential benefits of tribochemistry. This growing field gives researchers the opportunity to design a machinery system that takes advantage of the interaction of a specific lubricant with a particular metal surface under its operating conditions. The resulting products of the interaction act to maximize the efficiency of the machinery, leading us further down the road to perfecting motion. Discussions are held with two leading researchers, Drs. Kuldeep Mistry (The Timken Company) and Nicolas Argibay (Sandia National Laboratories), to provide their viewpoints on the current and future potential for tribochemistry. Episode Transcript

Episode 1 | Introduction – Perfecting Motion®: Tribology and the Quest for Sustainability

Contributors: Dr. Neil Canter, STLE Advisor – Technical Programs and Services

Release date: July 27, 2021 | 22 min
 

As the world faces challenges due to the threat of global warming, regulatory pressure has been applied to find ways to reduce the generation of carbon dioxide and other emissions. The transportation sector is under increasing scrutiny because it contributes the highest level of emissions in the U.S. at 28.2%, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). 
The automotive industry has responded by moving to electric vehicles in place of internal combustion-powered vehicles as a way to reduce carbon dioxide, attain carbon neutrality and move towards sustainability. Tribology, or the study of lubrication, provides approaches for reducing emissions, improving efficiency and, as a result, accelerating the move to perfecting motion®, which will lead to achieving sustainability.

This podcast introduces a new series that will discuss a series of technology developments showing how tribology and lubrication can promote the movement towards sustainability. Episode Transcript