Collaborators

Prof. Peng Zhao, Oakland University

Prof. Gaofeng Wang, Zhejiang University

Prof. Rui He, Texas Tech University

Prof. Hailin Li, West Virginia University

Prof. Cheng Zhang, University of West Florida

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Dr. Kenneth Chao, Expert in Lubricants and Tribology

Mobile: (319) 290-2806
Email: kenchao@cfu.net

B.Sc. (Chemical Engineering) City College of New York 1985

M.S. (Chemical Engineering)  Pennsylvania State University 1987

Ph.D. (Chemical Engineering) Pennsylvania State University 1990

2015-2019  Senior Staff Engineer, Deere & Company

2009-2015  Staff Engineer, Deere & Company

2000-2009  Senior Engineer, Deere & Company

1990-1999  Associate Research Engineer, University of Dayton Research Institute

1986-1990  Graduate Research Assistant, Pennsylvania State University

1985-1986  Graduate Teaching Assistant, Pennsylvania State University

Publications:

  1. Klaus, E. E., Duda J. L. and Chao K. K., “A Study of Wear Chemistry Using a Microsample Four-Ball Wear Test,” Trib. Trans., 34, (3), pp 426-432, (1991).
  2. Chao, K. K., Toth, D. K. and Saba, C. S., “An Integrated Test Method for High-Temperature Liquid Lubricants: Dynamic Test,” Trib. Trans., 37, (2), pp 293-298, (1994).
  3. Chao, K. K. and Saba, C. S., “Tribo-Evaluation of High Temperature Candidate Fluids in a Sliding “TBOD” Bench Tester,” Trib. Trans., 38, (1), pp 63-68, (1995).
  4. Chao, K. K. and Saba, C. S., “An Integrated Test Method for High-Temperature Liquid Lubricants: Static Test,” Trib. Trans., 38, (1), pp 69-74, (1995).
  5. Chao, K. K., Saba, C. S. and Centers, P. W., “Effects of Lubricant Borne Solid Debris in Rolling Surface Contacts,” Trib. Trans., 39, (1), pp 13-22, (1996).
  6. Chao, K. K. and Saba, C. S., “Reaction and Evaporation Rates of High Temperature Candidate Fluids from a TFOST Test,” Trib. Trans., 40, (3), pp 479-485, (1997).
  7. Li, H., Chao, K. K., Duda, J. L. and Klaus, E. E., “A Study of Wear Chemistry and Contact Temperature Using a Microsample Four-Ball Wear Test,” Trib. Trans., 42, (3), pp 529-534, (1999).
  8. Chao, K. K. and Saba, C. S., “Pretreatment of Steel Racetracks by Using Sand-Blasting Technique with a Special Emphasis on Si3N4 Powder—Part One,” Trib. Trans., 52, (1), pp 96-105, (2009).
  9. Chao, K. K. and Saba, C. S., “Pretreatment of Steel Racetracks by Using Sand-Blasting Technique with a Special Emphasis on Si3N4 Powder—Part Two,” Trib. Trans., 52, (5), pp 632-642, (2009).
  10. Chao, K. K. and Saba, C. S., “Pretreatment of Steel Racetracks by Using Sand-Blasting Technique with a Special Emphasis on Si3N4 Powder—Part Three,” Trib. Trans., 53, (3), pp 426-432, (2010).

ADDITIONAL PUBLICATIONS RELATED TO PROJECT

  1. Chao, K. K., ”Friction and Wear of Vapor-Deposited Lubricant Films,” M.S. Thesis, The Pennsylvania State University (1987).
  2. Chao, K. K., “A Study of Tribology by Using a Microsample Test,” Ph.D. Thesis, The Pennsylvania State University (1990).
  3. Saba, C. S., Keller, M. A., Chao, K. K., Toth, D. K., Borchers, M. F. and Smith, H. A., “Lubricant Evaluation and Performance II,” Final Technical Report WL-TR-93-2126, (1994).
  4. Saba, C. S., Keller, M. A., Chao, K. K., Toth, D. K., Borchers, M. F., Waldron, W. M. and Johnson, D. W., “Lubricant Evaluation and Performance III,” Interim Technical Report WL-TR-96-2045, (1996).
  5. Saba, C. S., Keller, M. A., Chao, K. K., Toth, D. K., Borchers, M. F., Waldron, W. M. and Johnson, D. W., “Lubricant Evaluation and Performance III,” Final Technical Report AFRL-PR-WP-TR-1998-2117, (1998).

EXPERIENCE AND ACCOMPLISHMENTS

  • Chao has been conducting research in the field of tribology since August 1985 under the supervision of Prof. E. E. Klaus and Prof. J. L. Duda at the Pennsylvania State University.
  • The commonly known vapor-phase condensation (VPC) lubrication technique was borne out of his M.S. thesis work.
  • An advanced microsample four-ball wear test procedure was also established via his Ph.D. research at Penn State.
  • From Dec. 1990 to Dec. 1999, Dr. Chao was employed by University of Dayton Research Institute as an associate research engineer conducting tribology-related research at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base.
  • He has developed two advanced testing methodologies for liquid lubricants (namely, TBOD and TFOST tests), which are highly useful for evaluating modern liquid lubricants in general, and for the aircraft fluids of U.S. Air Force in particular.
  • Moreover, a novel design of angular contact ball bearing with features especially suitable for vapor-phase lubrication was completed. This unique bearing can also provide critical leverages in some industrial applications.
  • His most recent accomplishments include a Si3N4 sand-blasting surface treatment (Tribo-CAS Film) of steel races to radically enhance the fatigue life of hybrid ball bearing, even under the circumstance of using debris particulate contaminated lubricants.
  • Since January 2000, Dr. Chao has been working for Deere & Company as a lubrication engineer and late became Lubricants Group Manager responsible for: (1) ensure worldwide performance of Deere brand engine oil, transmission hydraulic fluids (THF), gear lube, and grease with additional support to engine coolant and diesel fuel, (2) help promoting and sale of Deere lubricant products and coolant for off-road applications, (3) work closely with suppliers/blenders to acquire the best technology and value for Deere oils, (4) provide technical support to engine/vehicle design groups and business units across the company, (5) represent Deere at lubricant and fuel committees of EMA, SAE, ASTM and STLE, (6) organized technical sessions and gave presentation at industry conferences with the latest at F+L Week 2019 in Singapore.

 

AWARDS

Henry S. Myers Memorial Award presented by the City College of New York, 1985

The National Dean’s List (9th edition), 1985-1986

Speaker Award presented by STLE Oklahoma Section, 2012

Director’s Award presented by John Deere, 2013

Senior Vice Presidents’ Award of Excellence presented by John Deere, 2014

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