Course Description
Format: In-person Course
Where: Wilmington, DE
Date: October 20-22, 2026
- Tuesday, October 20 – 8:00am-5:00pm ET
- Wednesday, October 21 – 8:00am-5:00pm ET
- Thursday, October 22 – 8:00am-2:00pm ET
Lubrication and Wear: Advanced Concepts
Designed for engineers and scientists in the rolling element bearing, gear, and power transmission industries who desire a more fundamental knowledge of component-relevant topics in the lubrication and wear areas within the field of tribology. The science behind lubrication and wear continues to evolve. This course introduces attendees to important terminology; surface topography measurement, characterization, and application; the mechanics of surfaces in contact; the development of lubricant films; and failure of rolling element bearings. The purpose of this course is to increase relevant technical knowledge and bridge the gap between component design and component failure, as a result of relative motion between surfaces in contact.
You will earn 21 clock hours upon completion of the course and they will be listed on your certificate of completion.
Learning Objectives
- Understand basic concepts and terminology in tribology
- Familiarity with surface characterization theory and methods
- Calculation of fluid-film lubrication parameters
- Introduction to tribology by design (TBD) methods
- Understanding bearing life and failure through theory and examples
Who Should Attend
Scientists and engineers who desire a more fundamental background in the theory and application of the science of tribology, as applied to mechanical power transmission components undergoing relative motion.
Registration Rates
Member Rates
Early Bird First Registrant – $2,000
(Deadline until 8/6/26)
Regular First Registrant – $2,100
(Deadline: 8/7/26 – 9/22/26)
Late First Registrant – $2,150
(Deadline: 9/23/26 – 10/6/26)
Additional Registrants per Company Member receive a $200 discount per person
NON-MEMBER RATE
Early Bird First Registrant – $2,200
(Deadline until 8/6/26)
Regular First Registrant – $2,300
(Deadline: 8/7/26 – 9/22/26)
Late First Registrant – $2,350
(Deadline: 9/23/26 – 10/6/26)
Additional Registrants per Company Non-Member receive a $200 discount per person
Location
Hotel Information
Sheraton Suites Wilmington Downtown
422 Delaware Ave
Wilmington, DE 19801
You can book your room at the discounted rate of $159 per night. The hotel cut-off date is September 28, 2026.
Hotel Information
By booking in the MPMA room block, you receive a variety of benefits, including guaranteed accommodations, better networking opportunities with your peers, special guest status at the host hotel, and flexible cancellation terms if your plans change. MPMA advises against booking hotel rooms through third party booking sites such as Hotels.com, as there may be hidden fees, limited flexibility, and fewer rewards. MPMA does not work with a housing company and only MPMA Staff will reach out to you with details regarding the room block; any other companies that reach out to you regarding room reservations may be fraudulent and are not endorsed by MPMA. If you need assistance with your accommodations or have issues with the booking link provided by MPMA, please contact events@motionpower.org.
Instructors
Dr. Tim Ovaert
Dr. Tim Ovaert is currently a professor of Aerospace and Mechanical Engineering at the University of Notre Dame. In addition to teaching mechanical engineering design, reliability engineering, and tribology, he conducts research on materials characterization, materials for tribological applications, and manufacturing.
His current research interests are in biomechanics, the tribology of advanced materials, mechanical design, and manufacturing. Tim Ovaert received his BS degree in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Illinois-Urbana and his Master of Engineering Management and PhD in Mechanical Engineering from Northwestern University. His industry experience includes serving as Plant Engineer at the DuraBar Division of Wells Manufacturing Company. Previously, he was Professor of Mechanical Engineering at Penn State.
He has served as a technical consultant to more than twenty-five medium to Fortune 100 companies. He was named a National Young Investigator by the National Science Foundation, and is the recipient of the Ralph R. Teetor Award from the Society of Automotive Engineers, and the Burt L. Newkirk Award from the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME). Ovaert has served as an associate editor for the ASME Trans., Journal of Tribology, and as the Chair of the ASME/STLE International Joint Tribology Conference. He is the author and/or co-author of over 120 technical publications, and is a Fellow of the ASME.
Dr. Ovaert has been a long standing instructor with ABMA’s Continuing Education Program and currently teaches portions of all three courses.
Lavern (Vern) D. Wedeven
Vern Wedeven is president of Wedeven Associates, Inc., Edgmont, PA a specialty, high tech, entrepreneurial company devoted to tribology research and development. He and his associates have developed specialized tribology test machines, test methodologies and analysis tools that link fundamental principles of tribology to service applications. Wedeven Associates Machine (WAM) technology provides tribology research capability for major bearing companies, military laboratories and research institutes. He is involved in major research projects and consulting that serve aerospace and other industries.
Vern Wedeven is a graduate of Calvin College (BS), University of Michigan (BSME) and Imperial College, London, Ph.D. Previous employment includes NASA Glenn Res Ctr., NASA Hdqts and SKF-America. He is the author of over seventy technical papers in the area of tribology and several chapters in reference books. He holds three patents and is the recipient of several awards from STLE, ASME and SAE.
Photo Release
From time to time MPMA uses photographs, survey answers and testimonial of MPMA events in its promotional materials. Unless this permission is revoked in writing to the MPMA, by virtue of your attendance all attendees agree to the use of their likeness in such materials.
Cancellation and Payment Policy
Please view our cancellation policy.
Please view our late registration policy.
Please view our code of conduct.