Benjamin J. Gould

302-743-5688

Permanent address: 4609 Springers Lane, Wilmington De 19808

Education

PhD Mechanical Engineering

University of Delaware, Newark, DE 19711Spring 2016

Wind Turbine Tribology

Research advisor: Dr. David L. Burris

Bachelors Mechanical Engineering

Minor in Sustainable Energy TechnologySpring 2012

University of Delaware, Newark, DE 19711

Professional Experience

Tribology Research Aid (June 2013 – August 2013)

Argonne National Laboratory

Argonne IL

  • Attempted to form white etching cracks in samples by varying slide to roll ratio on bearing steel

Wind Turbine Reliability and Tribology Research Assistant (April 2012-Present)

University of Delaware

Newark De

  • Licensed to climb and study the university’s 2Mw Gamesa turbine

MEEG 215, Mechanics of Solids Lab TA (August2011-December2011)

University of Delaware

Newark De

Industrial Design and CAD Intern (June2011-August2011)

Amtrak Wilmington Maintenance Facility

Wilmington, De

  • Designed new trashcan to be used on Amfleet I and II cars

Research Interests

My research interests are in Sustainable Energy and Tribology. Currently I am working on the improvement of wind turbine gearbox reliability through analysis of bearing loads and roller race interactions. I have also done research in the creation of metal matrix nano-composites to improve the wear and scuffing characteristics of aluminum. These composites are geared towards the improvement of fuel mileage of motor vehicles through use in engine blocks.

Skills

  • Experimental methods in tribological and mechanical characterization of materials, including, fabrication and testing of metal matrix composits, FIB, SEM, and TEM Spectroscopy, optical Interferometry, and metallography.
  • Design, fabrication and analysis of experimental instrumentation for mechanical and tribological testing, including fretting wear, in-situ tribometers, interfacing electronic hardware (DAQ) for measurement and control.
  • Labview, Matlab, Solidworks, Adobe Illustrator exct.
  • Licensed Climber of University of Delaware’s 2Mw Gamesa G90 Wind Turbine

Awards

  • Best Poster Award, International Joint Tribology Conference 2012

Publications

Archival Publications

  • Wind Shear Increases Radial Loads on Wind Turbine Drivetrains,

B. Gould, D. L. Burris,Tribology and Lubrication Technology

Journal Manuscripts in Preparation

  • Wind shear dramatically increases load on large-scale wind turbine drivetrain bearings, B. Gould, D. L. Burris
  • Role of Water and third-body contamination in premature failure of wind turbine drivetrains, B. Gould, D. L. Burris

Presentations

Conference Talks (presenting author first)

  • Atlantic Offshore Wind Consortium: Drivetrain Reliability in Offshore Applications, B. Gould D. L. Burris, IJTC, Denver CO, October 2012
  • Wind Turbine Drivetrains: Assessing Potential Contributors to Premature Failure,

B. Gould, D. L. Burris, STLE Annual Meeting, Detroit MI, May 2013

Poster Presentations (presenting author first)

  • Atlantic Offshore Wind Consortium: Drivetrain Reliability in Offshore Applications, B. Gould, D. L. Burris, A. Szela, F. Feng, IJTC, Denver CO, October 2012
  • Wind Turbine Drivetrains: Assessing Potential Contributors to Premature Failure,

B. Gould, D. L. Burris, STLE Annual Meeting, Detroit MI, May 2013

Membership

  • American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME): Member (2010-present)
  • Society of Tribologists and Lubrication Engineers (STLE): Member (2012-present)
  • NREL Gearbox Reliability Collaborative (GRC) : Member (2013-present)
  • University of Delaware Mechanical Engineering Graduate Association (MEGA) : Secretary (2012-present)