Tribology of the Heart with Dr. Said Jahanmir

This episode takes another look at biotribology, focusing on the heart. In the interview we talk with Dr. Said Jahanmir, President and CEO of MiTiHeart Corporation. Dr. Jahanmir has specialized in this area of research, which focuses on patients with congestive heart failure (CHF). CHF refers to a situation where a patient's heart cannot pump enough blood to meet the body's needs, and it affects 4.5 million people annually. This population sometimes requires medical intervention, and a blood pump is one source of that assistance.

Tribology is a necessary requirement when designing, creating, and implanting devices that assist the heart. If these issues are not considered, the pump could have adverse effects on the blood, tissues and the heart.

One type of blood pump, called an LVAD or left ventricular assist device, is in development at MiTiHeart. Dr. Jahanmir addresses the design, testing and impact that this LVAD will have. In the picture, you can see the relative size and shape of the LVAD.

If you'd like to hear more, you can download the podcast, subscribe to get future episodes, or view the transcript. You can also continue the conversation by reading Dr. Jahanmir's article in TLT. The STLE website has many resources that you can use to find more information, including more on the biotribology technical tracks at both the International Joint Tribology Conference and the upcoming 2011 STLE Annual Meeting, as well as information on Dr. Jahanmir and his work at MiTiHeart.

Metalworking Fluid Management with Dr. Donald Smolenski

In this interview, we talk with Dr. Donald Smolenski, Technical Fellow in Research & Development at General Motors. He has extensive experience in this field, including the development of industrial lubricant specifications, best fluid management practices, and recycling and disposal of oily water and used oil. We welcome that experience in our discussion of metalworking fluid management in this podcast. The episode delves into the field and addresses metal removal fluids including selection, in-use management, recycling and disposal of these fluids.

Click here to download the podcast, or click on the slider bar above to play it from this screen. You can also subscribe to get future podcasts delivered automatically. If you would like to translate the content or cannot hear the audio, you can view the transcript.

STLE's website has many resources on this topic, including more information on metalworking fluid management and metal removal fluids. Included for your reference is an article written by STLE's Director of Professional Development, Dr. Robert Gresham, who discusses this topic and recaps the last occurence of the Metalworking Fluid Management Certificate Course. You can also view the extended abstract from Dr. Smolenski's presentation at last year's Annual Meeting on "Cradle to Grave Management of Metal Removal Fluids."

Here and at our website, you can find information about the Metalworking Fluid Management Certificate Course, scheduled for November 2-4, 2010. The course will be held at the Engineering Society of Detroit's facility in Southfield, Michigan. You can see the flyer for more details and you can view the agenda for information on the timeline. Register today to get updated and in-depth information straight from the experts.

Release Schedule

Good news!

Starting this month, The STLE Compass will be released every second and fourth Tuesday of each month. You can now expect to see new episodes consistently, as we have more and more topics and interviewees.

We are very excited to provide you with new information on the subjects those in the field are researching and working on, and in the process, provide exposure to a variety and range of fields. Even if you aren't directly involved with a given field, you will be able to learn what other tribologists and lubrication engineers are working on, demonstrating the truly interdisciplinary nature of the field.

You can visit our website every second and fourth Tuesday, or you can subscribe to the blog to get each new release automatically.