Engine Additives & Lubricants can enhance the durability, performance and efficiency of engines through benefits such as better wear protection, reduced oil consumption and so on.
Gopal Kumar, our next pathbreaker, PhD Candidate in Tribology at Deakin University, works on developing developing industrial gear oil with a focus on new additive/lubricant technology.
Gopal talks to Shyam Krishnamurthy from The Interview Portal about getting an opportunity to do an Industrial PhD at Deakin University in collaboration with the Indian Oil corporation.
For students, an Industrial PhD gives you the opportunity to blend the worlds of academic and industrial research to address real world challenges !
Gopal, Your background?
I am from Faridabad, Haryana, and a mechanical engineer by profession. During my free time, I used to play football, volleyball, and go to the gym. My father is a retired government officer, and my mom is a homemaker.
During my schooling, I used to have a crazy interest in asking teachers how machines work and their principles. Following this passion, I entered into the engineering field.
What did you do for graduation/post graduation?
I did my BTech in Mechanical Engineering.
During my graduation, I found my interest in design and analysis field, following which I joined masters and completed from post-graduation from VIT university in CAD/CAM.
What were some of the influences that led you to such an offbeat, unconventional and uncommon career?
During my MTech, I did a 9 month internship at Escorts. I was in the engine design department where I designed a balancer shaft used to counter secondary forces coming from the engine. They were designing this component for the first time and I was fortunate to work with them.
I didn’t decide that I will be doing PhD immediately after this. After my internship, I became a professor.
I just got an opportunity to work in the field of Tribology. Since the field includes core mechanical and design aspects as well as basic chemistry, I was good in it. Hence, it was easy for me.
I also got a scholarship since this is an industrial PhD where Deakin University had a MoU with Indian Oil corporation R&D.
How did you plan the steps to get into the career you wanted? Tell us about your career path.
After my post-graduation, I gained presentation and communication skills and thought of entering into the teaching field and worked as an assistant professor for two years. I mentored, supervised my students and shared whatever I gained through knowledge and experience to my students.
My passion didn’t stop me from doing more. I joined a PhD program from Deakin University in collaboration with Indian oil, India.
How did you get your first break?
There was a opening at IOCL Career for a PhD position from Deakin University in collaboration with Indian oil. I was shortlisted after an interview
After my selection for the PhD, my Indian oil supervisor wanted me to take some course related to tribology and lubricants from IIT Delhi.
What were some of the challenges you faced? How did you address them?
PhD:
Challenge 1: While in India, I was deprived of direction on what to do, how to proceed etc.
Challenge 2: Due to Covid, I could not do experimental work.
Challenge 3: People tried to force me to quit.
During the challenges, I never listened to anyone, I was focused on myself because you know yourself better than anyone else.
Where do you work now?
My PhD is in an area, Tribology. Tribology is a science of friction, wear and lubrication. So, its more of a tribo-chemistry. I am working in the area of gear oil lubricants working specifically on micropitting gear failure mode. This condition is seen when microscopic cracks form on gears and through time and stress result in microscopic pits.
How does your work benefit society?
My PhD is focused on designing a gear oil formulation using conventional additives and improving the performance.
Your advice to students based on your experience?
Don’t think too much. Work hard and follow the correct direction.
I would say, be confident, consistent, and disciplined in whatever you are doing in your life. Have faith and be patient.
You are not the only one who is suffering this pain.
Future Plans?
I want to enter into industries to gain experience related to my field. Getting knowledge is OK, but if you don’t apply this in the real world, it’s a waste.