IMechE’s Tribology Silver Medal 2023 Winner Announced

Professor David Hills had been awarded the Institution’s 2023 Silver medal for Tribology.

David's academic journey began with a PhD at Trent Polytechnic, where his main interests in the mechanics of contacts became evident despite his thesis focusing on subsurface stress effects on wear.

In 1979, he was awarded the Tribology Bronze medal, an occasion that allowed him to meet renowned figures in the field. In 1983, David expanded his knowledge at the University of Michigan, learning advanced analytical techniques under Jim Barber's guidance and establishing a long-lasting research collaboration.

In 1984, he was elected to a fellowship at Lincoln College, Oxford, where he has remained since. His research has primarily centred on fretting fatigue, with a focus on separating the physical aspects of slip and damage, leading to the exploration of 'partial slip.' Collaborations with European institutions and mentoring research students have made his work both enjoyable and constructive.

David continues to expand understanding in contact mechanics, particularly in convex contacts, and always seeking new, interesting, and practical discoveries.

Read David Hill’s full citation

The Institution would like to congratulate Professor David Hills on winning the Tribology Silver medal.