Professor Mayo D. Hersey

In recognition of his outstanding contribution to tribology as teacher, mentor and researcher, especially in the field of hydrodynamic lubrication.

Professor Hersey has for many years been a leading educator, research investigator and writer on various aspects of tribology. The significance of his influence in the professional development of this field as a science is internationally recognised.

He has a distinguished career, which extends over an exceptionally long period, his first paper having been published in 1910. Through his insight in the development of the theory of, and the methods of experimentation in both full and partial hydrodynamic lubrication and, in the development of viscometric methods, in particular those of the effects of high pressure on the viscosity of lubricating oils. Professor Hersey was a pioneer in recognising the multi-disciplinary character of tribology and has dedicated a large part of his unusually long career as an engineer and scientist almost exclusively and successfully to the service to industry, to research and to teaching.

Professor Hersey inspired accomplishment in the field of scientific lubrication and gave generous and sustaining encouragement to his fellow workers. He was a dynamic influence in establishing the Lubrication Division of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers. He has been a recipient of many honours, including the leading Lubrication Award of that Society, which indeed has been given his name. he is admired and respected throughout the world, especially by his countrymen, amongst whom he is often referred to as “Father Lubrication”.