Not only will it help support our fundamental research work in tribology but it should also ensure that this research is rapidly applied to real applications, such as enabling rolling bearings to operate with lower friction and thus lower energy consumption, said professor Hugh Spikes, head of the tribology research group and leader of the team at Imperial College. The teams goal is to develop a detailed understanding of lubricant chemistry, hydrodynamic and elasto-hydrodynamic lubrication, contact mechanics, and wear and surface fatigue, using computational modeling and theoretical study.

Last year, SKF signed a five-year contract with Cambridge University Department of Materials Science and Metallurgy to set up the SKF University Technology Center on Steels on campus in Cambridge. The contract was to pioneer research, directed by SKF, on steels and heat treatment associated with advanced bearing technology.

In other SKF news, AB SKF appointed Poul Jeppesen president and chief executive officer of Lansdale, Pa.-based SKF USA Jan. 18. Jeppesen replaces George Dettloff, who recently retired after 10 years with the company. Dettloff will continue to represent SKF senior management at various government and industry associations for the near future.

During his 28-year career with SKF, Jeppesen held management positions in sales, marketing, product management and manufacturing. He has served as president and director of SKF Action System, a global business unit with seven manufacturing operations in Sweden, Switzerland, Italy, Tapei, China and the United States.

SKF Group is headquartered in Gteborg, Sweden.