Johann Watson

After completing a Masters at the University of Leeds, Johann decided to continue studying here via a PhD. His research explores how esters (materials that combine with water to produce alcohol or acids) affect lubricants in electric vehicles. Leeds was an attractive study destination because it’s a key research institute for a field known as tribology. 

“My research topic is in tribology: the science and technology of friction, lubrication and wear”, explained Johann. “I have a specific focus on the lubrication of electric vehicles. Tribology was by far my worst performing subject (not the most disliked though) during my MSc, and I wanted an opportunity to change that and become an expert in the field.” 

Putting it into practice 

Research in this field requires careful work on Johann’s part. “My research is experimentally based; this involves a lot of research into the literature to plan experiments and time in the labs running the experiments. I run machines called tribometers, which come in different shapes and sizes to replicate different real-world contacts like gears, ball bearings, and pistons. 

 

“After these initial tests, different analytical techniques are used to characterise the surface topography and chemistry. These tests produce large quantities of data, which need processing to make it legible, so that good conclusions can be drawn.   

“Tribological research in my area is mostly limited to small gains in efficiency for mechanical systems, such as electric vehicles. Instead, through my research I hope to develop analytical techniques and fundamental understandings in tribology.” 

Team efforts 

Johann has benefitted from the support of other people during his studies at Leeds. “My supervisors are supportive whilst still valuing independence. They support my plans and contribute to my ideas around new research areas, whilst pushing me to develop my own technical expertise. One of my supervisors was the PI (Principal Investigator) on the project for my PhD, and the other is the PI on a project that led off from mine. This is due to their experience and interests around of my research area. 

“The wider research community is supportive, helpful, and social. Always happy to help if you are stuck in a specific area, or help you in developing your ideas due to the range of specialisations and origins outside of Mechanical Engineering such as Chemistry and Physics. We have monthly social events open to all PGRs within the school to maintain a strong research community.”   

Demonstrations 

Johann has taken the opportunity to share his knowledge with other people within the University. “Over my PhD I have helped in teaching several models, from first year undergrads to Masters. I decided to start demonstrating on a whim, but it has been nice to help students and rewarding when you are able to help them understand a complex topic. 

Over my PhD I have helped in teaching several models, from first year undergrads to Masters.

“When you are teaching it makes you realise how much deeper you need to understand a topic when explaining a subject than when learning. Particularly when you are asked a question and the only answer you can give is “I don’t know let me do a bit of research and I’ll get back to you on that.” This opportunity has massively helped in being able to communicate ideas that are more complex and refresh my knowledge on old subjects.  

“After finishing my PhD I plan to continue my research into tribology, in academia or industry, where I can continue to develop the current understanding of tribology.”