Christopher DellaCorte

Dr. Christopher DellaCorte serves as the Director of The University of Akron Engineering Tribology Laboratory and holds the Timken Endowed Chair in the College of Engineering and Polymer Science. He previously worked at NASA as a Senior Technologist for Tribology and Rotating Machinery, specializing in extreme tribology challenges in aerospace systems. His expertise spans tribology, coatings, mechanical components, and failure analysis.

Education:

• Ph.D., Mechanical & Aerospace Engineering, Case Western Reserve University (1989)
• M.S., Mechanical Engineering, Case Western Reserve University (1987)
• B.S., Fluid and Thermal Sciences, Case Western Reserve University (1986)

Research Interests: Dr. DellaCorte focuses on tribology under extreme conditions (e.g., high temperatures, loads, and speeds) for aerospace applications. His work includes innovative coatings, bearing alloys, materials processing, and forensic failure analysis of mechanical systems. His research addresses challenges in spacecraft, aircraft, and NASA’s Space Launch System (SLS).

Awards and Recognition:

• R&D 100 Awards
• NASA Government and Commercial Invention of the Year (2018)
• ASM Engineering Materials Achievement Award (2019)

Labs and Teams: Directs the Timken Engineered Surfaces Laboratory, contributing to solving critical mechanical system issues for NASA’s International Space Station (ISS) and SLS programs.