In recognition of his outstanding achievement in Tribology.
Professor Yoshitsugu Kimura was born in 1936 in Japan. He commenced his studies at the University of Tokyo, where in 1959, he won the West Memorial Award. He obtained his Master of Engineering (1963) and his Doctor of Engineering Degrees (1966) in the same University.
After two years in industry, he took a graduate course and when completed, he became a Research Associate at the Department of Aeronautics of the Faculty of Engineering of the University of Tokyo, rising to Lectureship and Associate Professorship to become Professor of the Institute of Space and Aeronautical Science in 1979. In 1981 he became Professor of the Institute of Interdisciplinary Research of the Faculty of Engineering. In 1987 he occupied the Chair at the Institute of Industrial Science.
From 1992 to 1996 he was the Head of International Relations of the Institute of Industrial Science of the University of Tokyo and also was the national representative on the International Research Group on Wear of Engineering Materials (OECD). In 1997 he became Professor Emeritus of the University of Tokyo and in the same year the JSME Centennial Distinguished Service Medal by the Japanese Society of Mechanical Engineers was awarded to him.
In 1997 he joined the Kagawa University as Professor of the Faculty of Engineering, later Vice-President and in 2003 he was asked and accepted the Presidency of Kagawa University.
His record of innovative research in tribology in related branches of mechanical engineering is outstanding, as is his international reputation as a tribologist of sound judgement and integrity. He has played a central role in the development of science and technology of tribology in Japan.
His research activities covered a wide range of subjects, including fundamental investigation of friction and wear and of various lubrication regimes, bearing lubrication, tribological characteristics of new tribo materials, traction fluids, liquid crystals, ceramics and polymer-metal interfaces, maintenance tribology, friction materials for lubricated clutches, etc. His work is reported in more than 150 scientific and technical publications. He has published 5 books and about 70 technical review articles.
He pioneered the concept of the so-called adhesive wear of metals being caused mainly by microscopic fatigue failure. This wear concept has gained considerable momentum and contributed further development of improved predictive models in adhesive wear.
At Taiho Kogyo Co he and his associates developed a new concept in engine journal bearings known as microgroove bearings. These bearings have a marked improvement of performance in seizure resistance and longer fatigue life and have been adopted widely by automotive industries in the world.
Professor Kimura has also made major contributions in elastohydrodynamic lubrication by developing analytical models to predict traction in elastohydrodynamic contacts particularly for synthetic lubricants and models to analyse the performance of elastohydrodynamic contacts lubricated with oil-in-water emulsified lubricants.
In the last decade, Professor Kimura has pioneered a new concept on control of friction with liquid crystal lubricants in tribo-components. This promising concept is still in its infant stage and has attracted considerable attention in the tribological community.
Professor Kimura prepared numerous graduate and post-graduate students whether in engineering positions, or research and development, for various industrial companies in Japan, Korea, China, India etc – several of them now being in leading management positions, presenting their own work at various conferences and symposia. It has been said that Professor Kimura developed an entire generation of tribologists and engineers.
In Japanese tradition, Professor Kimura has devoted much of his energy writing review articles. He has also worked closely with major Japanese industries and his influence has radiated far beyond the Japanese border at his participation and contribution to many International forums.
His contribution as invited speaker on emulsion and liquid crystals and his role as Chairman at various International Conferences has gained much praise by the international tribological community.
Professor Kimura has occupied many leading functions in the Japanese Society of Lubrication Engineers and the Japanese Society of Tribologists, as Director, Vice-President and President. He has received prizes and awards from Japanese and International Societies. His scientific and technical contribution to tribology is extensive and of high quality and his international reputation is excellent.
He has played a vital role in the development of science and technology of tribology in Japan. Yoshitsugu Kimura is highly regarded by his peers and has an unrivalled national and international reputation in tribology.
He is one of few people who have made such a comprehensive and distinguished contribution to the subject of tribology over the past four decades.
His scientific and technical achievements in the field of tribology and his consistent support of professional tribology activities in his native country over some 40 years, make Professor Yoshitsugu Kimura is a worthy candidate for tribology’s highest award, the Tribology Gold Medal for 2003.