Things to Do in The "D" (Detroit)

Getting some perspectives from STLE staff and members, here are some suggested attractions and restaurants, if you're planning your trip to join us next week. And don't forget that Detroit has an easy way to get around the city - the PeopleMover. The weather should be in the mid-high 60s all week, so be sure to pack for that, and remember to wear layers while you're attending the conference - conference centers and big hotels have a tendency to run cold.

Don Smolenski: Don loves the water, and as such, recommends you check out the Detroit Riverfront, along Lake St. Clair. He also recommends the following restaurants: Sinbad's Restaurant, Fishbone's Rhythm Kitchen, Mike's on the Water, Rojo Mexican Bistro, Brownie's on the Lake and The Rattlesnake Club. The river walk is also quite nice for running or biking. There are a few shops, and this area has the largest concentration of boats in fresh water. It's a great place to take a break - get away, go for a walk and while you're there, take in the water, the boats, and the beautiful mansions along the lake shore. "Lake Clair is one of the reasons I love living in Detroit. It's not as intimidating as Lake Erie or Michigan, but you can still see water for miles."

Charlie Paxton: The Henry Ford Museum is a little far from the meeting location, but it's always good. And, if you make the trip, you can also visit the largest IMAX theater in the state of Michigan. Charlie, as part of the Detroit Section, helped set up a tour of the GM Plant that produced the Volt (the tour filled up within a short couple of days!). Thanks to the Detroit Section, those attending get free transportation.

Rachel Colbert: says that there are some great lakes and parks in Detroit (Ash Park is closest to the hotel), and she also recommends Greektown and the Ford Museum.

Tracy VanEe: This Detroit-native STLE staff member recommends The Fox Theater (historic and very ornate), which is next to Hockeytown - lots of Red Wings nostalgia to be found here.

Attractions: Motown Museum, Heidelberg Project, The Detroit Institute of Art, Detroit Zoo, Comerica Park for a Tigers game, and Cobo Hall or the Joe Louis Arena (if you check the concert schedule, you might catch one of Detroit's locals - Bob Seger, Kid Rock or Eminem).

Restaurant favorites: Elwood Bar & Grill and the Detroit Beer Co.are around Comerica Park. For upscale dining, try the Rattlesnake Club. For less-than-upscale, try The Coney Island Challenge - Lafayette and American Coney Islands -they're located next to each other and make a show over luring customers into one diner over the other. Old Shillelagh's is a fun Irish pub - they have live music and it's always fun and festive. In addition to Greektown, there is Mexican Town, with a string of Mexican restaurants. My favorite is Xochimilco's (pronounced Soshimoko's), which has great fare.

If you're bringing family, or are just interested in a charming town, try Birmingham (about 5 miles away from Detroit) - it has lots of nice shops and dining.

If you want to go outside of Detroit, visit Dearborn for the Henry Ford Museum, Automotive Hall of Fame, and the Ford Dearborn Truck Plant to see where they make the F150. In addition, try Greenfield Village (historical town, mini-Williamsburg).

Or, try the two Big 10 University towns - East Lansing and Ann Arbor. They're within an hour's drive of Detroit and are great places to visit.
Don't forget to take a look at the Visit Detroit website (look at the Downtown Detroit area), and local attractions on the Marriott's website.

What will you be visiting or doing while in Detroit? Respond in the comments below, send me an email to be included in this post (to ksniegowski@stle.org), or your tweet activities (using hashtag #STLE2013)!

And Visit Detroit has some great videos, including this one, on Downtown Detroit.

Registration Now Open for May Webinars: Solvents & Cleaners and Biobased Lubes & Greases

This month we'll be featuring more on environmentally friendly, or biobased lubricants and greases, as well as solvents and cleaners. See below for more details on each and to preview upcoming topics.

Solvents & Cleaners in Industrial Applications
Date/Time: Wednesday, May 22, 2013; 12-1 pm CST (with additional time for Q&A from 1-1:30)
Instructor: Russ Chambers, Quadra Chemicals
Overview: In this webinar, we will cover types on solvents and cleaners, as well as their composition and properties, leading to the selection of a solvent or cleaner. We’ll also cover industry-specific applications – the when, why and how you’d use a solvent or cleaner. We’ll also cover health and safety issues, as well as new regulations and trends.
Cost: $39 for members; $59 for non-members
[Click here] for more information
[Click here] to register now (must log in to obtain correct pricing)

Biobased Lubes & Greases: Respected Market Contenders
Date/Time: Thursday, May 30, 2013; 12-1 pm CST (with additional time for Q&A from 1-1:30)
Instructor: Dr. Lou Honary, UNI-NABL
Overview: This webinar provides an overview of the technical and commercial opportunities in biobased lubricants and grease areas. Topics will include a brief historical review of the biobased lubricants and grease technologies, new developments in base vegetable or crop oils, base oil modifications including genetic enhancement of seed oils and chemical modifications of base oils, and advances in performance enhancing additives.  There will also be a brief presentation on new processing technologies for manufacturing biobased products.
Cost: $39 for members; $59 for non-members
[Click here] for more information
[Click here] to register (must log in to obtain correct pricing)

Upcoming topics:

• 6/5: Emulsifiers 101 (you may also like Emulsifiers 201, to be held on 9/19)
• 6/12: Waste Treatment of MWFs, with instructor John M. Burke, Houghton International
• 6/26: The Steel Industry, with instructor Rick Schrama
• 7/10: Air Compressors, with instructor Glenn Short, BVA
• 7/11: Gas and Process Compressor Lubricants, with instructor Glenn Short, BVA
• 7/17: MWF Microbiology Basics, with instructor Fred Passman, BCA, Inc.

[Click here] to see all topics booked for 2013 (new events posted as information becomes available)
[Click here] to view online events in our calendar

2013 Annual Meeting - Early Bird Pricing Expires Monday!

Don't forget to save a bit of money by registering early - by April 1.
Take a look at the Preliminary Program Guide and start making your plans so you can be part of this can't-miss conference!

[Click here] to view the conference brochure (left), or [click here] for the PDF download

[Click here] to register online

[Click here] to download a PDF registration form (fax or scan/email back in)

[Click here] for the Corporate Member registration form - you get two free registrations and two free education courses with the Basic tier, and three registrations and three courses with the Premium!

Still not sure if you should attend this year?

1. We have recorded some of the sessions that were chosen by attendees at last year's Annual Meeting - they chose these presentations as Highlights they'd like to review and share after the conference. [Click here] to listen to some of the sessions chosen as Highlights from last year's meeting

2. Read The Business Case For Attending STLE's Annual Meeting - either to present to your supervisor, or to assuage any of your own doubts. And read our President's Message on the meeting, Tradition and Innovation.

3. Check out some Detroit blogs (including Visit Detroit, Detroit Moxie, Detroit UnSpun, Dig Downtown, and Eat It Detroit), to get a feel for the destination. Also be sure to read our tips for first time attendees, and get some perspective from past attendees.

4. Hear it direct from other members and non-members who've attended - see our testimonials below! Or read more here.

• “I can always count on the Annual STLE Meeting and Exhibitions to have all our customers under one roof and great networking. It is a great way to keep in touch with the pulse of the industry.” – David Oesterle, The Lubrizol Corporation



Evan Zabawski

• “The STLE Annual Meeting is the best venue for sales, marketing, and technical people to meet and discuss products that are instrumental in moving our industry forward.” –Samuel Wolfe, Wolfe Chemicals
• “The STLE Annual Meeting offers both the best information on tribological related research and the best technical approaches to improve equipment reliability. Technical session and exhibition provides a proper balance of basic understanding and practical applications. Technical courses offer additional edge of required knowledge.” – George Staniewski, Ontario Power Generation
• “A great event to both meet colleagues involved in all facets of lubrication, and partake of the excellent technical content.” – Evan Zabawski



Don Smolenski

• “This was my first time attending. I took 3 courses and all were excellent and presenters were extremely knowledgeable. Overall, a great group of people. They were friendly and willing to share expertise and discuss technology.” – Gary Bilski, Honeywell Consumer Products Group
• “Outstanding opportunity to meet and discuss with experts within the biggest and most active association of tribologists worldwide.” – Steffen Bots, Oelcheck
• “The STLE Annual Meeting provides excellent technical content, training, exhibits and networking, all in one place.” – David Turner, Shell Global Solutions
• “Presentation technical quality was very good. Networking was excellent. The meeting is great for collaboration.” – Don Smolenski, General Motors (now Evonik)
  
  

Resources & Navigating the Annual Meeting for Students & Early Careerists

Read on below for information on upcoming events, deadlines and news for both students and early careerists. Each item will be marked with an S (for student), EC (for early careerist), or both.

Tweet the Meeting (S, EC)

If you’d like to be more involved during the conference and share information with fellow attendees, we’re encouraging attendees to use Twitter to tweet noteworthy sessions, questions, resources, and information on talks you’re presenting.

We have started to compile a list of attendees and if you’d like to be included, just tweet using the #STLE2013 hashtag, or email us your Twitter handle. And stop by the Membership Booth to see our live Twitter wall, where we’ll display #STLE2013 tweets. Don’t forget to follow @STLE_Tribology for news, information and resources direct from STLE!

 

2013 Annual Meeting Networking Event (S, EC)



Click here for more photos from 2012



This year’s Early Careerist Networking Event will be held at Drive – the ping pong social club, on Sunday, May 5, from 7-10 pm. Drive is a quick walk or PeopleMover ride from the Renaissance Center. Admission is FREE for all you students and early careerists and includes a chance to show off your ping pong skills, a drink ticket and sweets, and a great opportunity to network with some of STLE’s well-known members! RSVP to ensure space by April 19. Send your RSVP to Kara Sniegowski at ksniegowski@stle.org, or call us at (847) 825-5536.

[Click here] to visit Drive’s website

[Click here] to get information on the PeopleMover

Like us on Facebook or join our LinkedIn group to receive updates on this event

2 Days Left to Apply for Annual Meeting Housing Award (S)

The Young Tribologists Committee is sponsoring the annual Housing Award for our conference coming up in May. Applications are due March 30, so be sure to get yours in to see if you can get a free hotel stay while at the 2013 Annual Meeting!

[Click here] for details and to apply

Scholarships Available (S)

Our local sections – including Central Illinois and Philadelphia – are currently offering scholarships to students working in the field of lubrication and tribology. Deadlines are April 1 and May 1. Don’t miss your chance – apply today!

[Click here] for details and to apply

Upcoming Webinar Series (S, EC)

Starting this year, we’ll be offering a series of FREE webinars on topics relevant to students and early careerists to help you get ahead in your career. The first webinar has been scheduled, with more topics to come. See below for details and to register. Future topics will include: How to Present Your Work, Successful Grant Writing as well as job-search related topics. If you’d like to make a suggestion, contact Kara Sniegowski.

• 4/8: Best Practices for Presenting Your Poster | REGISTER
• 4/15: Getting Published | REGISTER
• 4/16: Preview/Demo the New Annual Meeting App | REGISTER

To receive information on the webinar series, the networking event, scholarships and awards, you’ll have to mark your interest in your online profile. Simply log in at www.stle.org, click to edit your Demographic information and choose “Early Careerist” as an interest area. You’ll then start receiving information on articles, events and resources catered to you.

#STLE2013 Education Courses - Register before Early Bird to save!

The Early Bird deadline (April 1) to register for the 2013 STLE Annual Meeting & Exhibition is coming up fast. Be sure to get registered for the meeting, and while you're doing that, be sure to sign up for an education course. It never hurts to sign up for a refresher on a given topic, maintain your certification, get started in a new area that you've been assigned at work, or simply learn more. Courses will be offered on Sunday, May 5, and Wednesday, May 8, 2013. They include:

Sunday, May 5

• An Introduction to Corrosion (co-hosted with ASM International)* NEW!
• BioFuels and Lubes
• Basic Lubrication 101: Lubrication Fundamentals
• Condition Monitoring 301: CM in the 21st Century
• Metalworking 105: Metal Forming Fluids
• Grease and its Lubrication in Rolling Element Bearings (co-hosted with ABMA)* NEW!
• Synthetic Lubricants 203: Non-Petroleum Fluids & Their Uses

Wednesday, May 8

• Advanced Lubrication 301
• Automotive Lubrication 201: Gasoline - NEW!
• Basic Lubrication 102: Basic Applications
• Hydraulics 101: Basic Fluids & Applications
• Metalworking 250: Understanding & Controlling Metal Removal Fluid Failure

[Click here] for more details, or click on the course title for more information on each.

April Webinar Registration Now Open - EFFs and Test Methods

This month we'll be featuring environmentally friendly fluids and test methods for lubricants. See below for more details on each and to preview upcoming topics.

Challenges in Using Environmentally Friendly Fluids
Date/Time: Thursday, April 11, 2013; 12-1 pm CST (with additional time for Q&A from 1-1:30)
Instructor: Dr. Neil Canter, Chemical Solutions
Overview: The purpose of this webinar is to provide information on the challenges in working with environmentally friendly lubricants. As part of this process, the confusion about what is an environmentally friendly lubricant and what is biodegradable is discussed. Two of the key detrimental properties for environmentally friendly lubricants are covered along with some of their main applications. Two government sponsored programs (the US Biopreferred Program and the European Union Eco-Label Program) are reviewed with details provided on what testing is needed to comply with both. Examples are given of guidelines for specific lubricant applications. The webinar will conclude with an assessment of the future of environmentally friendly lubricants.
Cost: $39 for members; $59 for non-members
[Click here] for more information
[Click here] to register now (must log in to obtain correct pricing)

Test Methods for Lubricants
Date/Time: Friday, April 19, 2013; 12-1 pm CST (with additional time for Q&A from 1-1:30)
Instructor: Ray Thibault, LTC
Overview: This webinar will discuss the various ASTM tests which evaluate lubricant performance. These tests are utilized as predictors of actual field performance of lubricants. It is important to understand these test methods and their correlation to field performance when making lubricant decisions. All the major tests will be discussed with major emphasis on testing procedures, results interpretation, and relevance to field performance. Turbine, hydraulic, and gear oil tests will be examined utilizing sample data sheets from some of the major suppliers. Also, OEM requirements for these various product groups will be presented.After this webinar you will feel more confident in understanding the various performance tests so you can make meaningful comparisons between lubricant suppliers’ products.
Cost: $39 for members; $59 for non-members
[Click here] for more information
[Click here] to register (must log in to obtain correct pricing)

Upcoming topics:

• 5/22: Solvents & Cleaners in Industrial Applications, with instructor Russ Chambers, Quadra Chemical
• 5/29: Biobased Lubes & Greases - Respected Market Contenders, with instructor Lou Honary, UNI-NABL
• 6/12: Waste Treatment of MWFs, with instructor John M. Burke, Houghton International
• 6/26: The Steel Industry, with instructor Rick Schrama

[Click here] to see all topics booked for 2013 (new events posted as information becomes available)
[Click here] to view online events in our Calendar

5 Minutes With...Juliane Benedet, MechEng PhD Student, Imperial College London

5 Minutes with… 

Juliane, STLE Annual Meeting 2010, Las Vegas

Juliane Benedet, PhD student, Mechanical Engineering at Imperial College London

What got you interested in tribology, and where has that interest led you? To support myself through my undergraduate degree in Chemical Engineering I worked for the National Service for Industrial Training in Brazil, which is a network of nonprofit professional schools and technology centres that have been established and maintained by the Brazilian Confederation of Industry. These institutions provide formal training for specialized workers in the areas of chemistry, mechanics, construction, etc. Having always been interested in research, I found myself surrounded by like minded people who had a strong academic background. They encouraged me to specialise and pursue postgraduate qualifications.

Upon moving to the UK in 2006, I had the opportunity to work on the research and development of additives for both fuels and lubricants and when the opportunity to do a PhD in Tribology presented itself in the end of 2007, I did not think twice. When I first started I was looking forward to learning more about lubrication and lubricants, but given the multidisciplinary nature of this amazing science I have learnt so much more. It has been a great privilege to work alongside chemists, physicists, material scientists, chemical engineers and mechanical engineers in the Tribology group at Imperial College London, which has an outstanding reputation for experimental tribological research.

Can you give us some detail on your current research? Because energy demands are expected to double by 2050, lubricants are required to reduce friction and thus energy consumption, while maintaining reliability; throughout my PhD I have investigated the film-forming, friction and wear-reducing properties of a very wide range of potential, low and zero sulphated ash, phosphorus and sulphur (SAPS) antiwear additives of different chemical types to replace ZDDP in engine oils and mitigate its deleterious effects, i.e. (i) degradation of exhaust aftertreatment systems, (ii) increase in engine friction, which compromise fuel economy and (iii) corrosive-abrasive wear with soot in diesel engines.

I employed a multi-technique approach, i.e. MTM-SLIM, MTM-Reciprocating, AFM, FIB-SIMS, FIB-TEM, ToF-SIMS and XANES, in order to determine which classes of lubricant additive types are able to form protective boundary films that reduce wear and friction in rubbing contacts. This study benefits designers of the next generation of engine lubricants and also helps us understand at a more fundamental level the various ways that lubricants can control wear in boundary lubrication conditions.

What recommendations would you give to other students and researchers in the field? Although very rewarding, research can also be quite lonesome sometimes, so try to have perseverance, keep a close eye on the details and ask for help or a second opinion.

Tribologists and tribologists-to-be: don’t mind if most people have no idea what Tribology is. There are endless examples of “tribology-at-work” from cars and machines to joint replacements, food and hair products. No matter how much you try to explain, some people will still look puzzled and either say you are brainy or make a few lubrication-related jokes, don’t worry you can always count on your fellow tribologists.

What are some of your favorites?
Tribology/Mechanical Engineering book: Engineering Tribology by Gwidon Stachowiak and Andrew Batchelor
Professor: Professor Hugh Spikes, for his invaluable support, insights and encouragement throughout my PhD.
Website: Tribology ABC http://www.tribology-abc.com/
Interests: Because I am of Italian-Brazilian descent I have inherited a passion for food and cooking so I spend my free time trying new recipes and entertaining my good friends and family.

Biography
Juliane has received her Bachelor degree in Chemical Engineering in 2005, from the University of Southern Santa Catarina in Brazil, where she worked for the National Service for Industrial Training (SENAI, 1998-2005) in the investigation, optimization and knowledge transfer of rheological aspects of ceramic suspensions.

She began working in the R&D of additives in 2006 at Infineum UK, where she investigated lubricity and detergency improvers for diesel fuels, afterwards joining Castrol Ltd in 2007 to investigate the thermal stability of lubricating oils. She briefly re-joined Infineum in 2011 as a Power Transmission Fluid Technologist, responsible for proposing technical solutions to fluid related hardware issues.

Currently, she is a PhD student in the Tribology Group of the Mechanical Engineering Department at Imperial College London, where she has investigated the film-forming, friction and wear-reducing properties of a very wide range of alternative low and zero sulphated ash, phosphorus and sulphur (SAPS) antiwear additives of different chemical types to improve the next generation of engine oils and extend the life of vehicle exhaust aftertreatment systems.

March Webinar Registration Open - Synthetics & Heavy Duty Engine Oils

This month we'll be featuring basic synthetics and heavy duty engine oils - evolution and status. See below for more details on each and to preview upcoming topics.
Heavy Duty Engine Oils, Evolution & Status
Date/Time: Wednesday, March 27, 2013; 12-1 pm CST (with additional time for Q&A from 1-1:30)
Instructor: Dr. Hind Abi-Akar, Technical Expert, Fluids Engineering Group, Caterpillar Inc.
Overview: This webinar will describe the main factors responsible for oil quality and performance, the evolution of the API oil program, the API licensing process, HD oil API category currently under development and challenges for off-road engine oils.  Additionally, brief introduction into the alternative fuels and impacts on engine oils will be presented. 
Cost: $39 for members; $59 for non-members
[Click here] for more information
[Click here] to register (must log in to obtain correct pricing)

Basic Synthetics
Date/Time: Thursday, March 28, 2013; 12-1 pm CST (with additional time for Q&A from 1-1:30)
Instructor: Dr. Robert M. Gresham, Director of Professional Development, STLE
Overview: This basic webinar is for those new to the industry or new to synthetic lubricants.  The webinar will cover the benefits obtained when using synthetic fluids, cost/benefit relationships, the major types of synthetic fluids and nine major industrial and automotive application areas where synthetic lubricants are beneficial.
Cost: $39 for members; $59 for non-members
[Click here] for more information
[Click here] to register now (must log in to obtain correct pricing)

Upcoming topics:

• 4/11: Challenges in Using Environmentally Friendly Fluids, with instructor Neil Canter, Chemical Solutions
• 4/19: Test Methods for Lubricants, with instructor Ray Thibault, LTC
• 5/22: Solvents & Cleaners in Industrial Applications, with instructor Russ Chambers, Quadra Chemical
• 5/29: Biobased Lubes & Greases - Respected Market Contenders, with instructor Lou Honary, UNI-NABL

[Click here] to see all topics booked for 2013 (new events posted as information becomes available)
[Click here] to view online events in our Calendar

Open Registration For Bearing, Filter & Synthetic Fundamentals Webinars

In February (and into March), we'll be focusing on fundamentals - including bearings, filters and synthetics. Be sure to keep an eye on our upcoming events for other events of interest.

Bearing Fundamentals
Date/Time: Wednesday, February 6, 2013; 12-1 pm CST (with additional time for Q&A from 1-1:30)
Instructor: Dr. Robert M. Gresham, Director of Professional Development, STLE
Overview: This basic webinar is designed for those new to the industry or at least new to the subject of bearings. The webinar will cover the 20 types of plain, rolling element and miscellaneous types of bearings showing what they look like and describing their primary design function.Then, we'll move on to general bearing lubrication including a very brief review of lubrication methods for bearing lubrication.
Cost: $39 for members; $59 for non-members
[Click here] for more information
[Click here] to register now (must log in to obtain correct pricing)

Fundamentals of Filters & Filtration
Date/Time: Wednesday, February 13, 2013; 12-1 pm CST (with additional time for Q&A from 1-1:30)
Instructor: Dr. John K. Duchowski, Director of Technology Development, HYDAC
Overview: The webinar will cover the fundamentals governing the process of filtration of hydraulic and lubricating fluids in industrial applications. Differences among various filtration media will be compared and contrasted. Various factors required to be taken into consideration during filter cartridge construction will be delineated and their impact on performance characteristics of filter elements will be described.
Cost: $39 for members; $59 for non-members
[Click here] for more information
[Click here] to register (must log in to obtain correct pricing)

Next month's topics:

• Basic Synthetics with instructor Dr. Robert M. Gresham, STLE
• Heavy Duty Engine Oils, Evolution & Status, with instructor Hind Abi-Akar, CAT

[Click here] to see all topics booked for 2013 (new events posted as information becomes available)
[Click here] to view online events in our Calendar

Registration Open for January Webinars: Engine Oils & Piston Rings

Join us this month as we kick off a new year of webinar programming! If you're interested in the archive, you may want to check out our posts: Best of 2012 Education, and Suggestions for You (webinars grouped by topic to make them easier to find).

Component Performance in Formulating Engine Oils
Date/Time: Wednesday, January 23, 2013; 12-1 pm CST (with additional time for Q&A from 1-1:30)
Instructor: Don Smolenski, Evonik
Overview: This presentation will begin with a discussion of how engine oils are formulated from base oils and several types of additives. Relevant engine oil specifications (ILSAC, API and dexos), including engine and bench tests, to which these formulations will be qualified, will then be covered.  Each of the tests will in turn be reviewed as to their appetite for additives and/or base oils.  There will also be discussion of expected future needs, and how these will likely impact engine oil formulation.
Cost: $39 for members; $59 for non-members
[Click here] for more information
[Click here] to register now (must log in to obtain correct pricing)

Piston Ring Conformability
Date/Time: Thursday, January 31, 2013; 12-1 pm CST (with additional time for Q&A from 1-1:30)
Instructor: Val Dunaevsky, VVD Engineering
Overview: The piston ring is one of the most tribologically intensive and functionally important parts of the reciprocating engines and compressors. The purpose of the seminar is to focus predominantly on the issue of conformability of the piston rings, which is defined by rings’ design and cylinder bore distortions. The conformability is one of the major mechanisms affecting piston rings’ performance.
By attending the webinar, one will be able to learn about the factors influencing the rings conformability and how to estimate conformability.
Cost: $39 for members; $59 for non-members
[Click here] for more information
[Click here] to register (must log in to obtain correct pricing)

Next month's topics:

• Challenges in Using Environmentally Friendly Fluids, with instructor Neil Canter
• Fundamentals of Filters & Filtration, with instructor John Duchowski

[Click here] to see all topics booked for 2013 (new events posted as information becomes available)
[Click here] to view online events on our Calendar