Robert JacksonView profile
Professor
Robert Jackson is the Albert Smith Jr. Professor in the Department of Mechanical Engineering at Auburn University’s Samuel Ginn College of Engineering. He holds a Ph.D., M.S., and B.S. in Mechanical Engineering from the Georgia Institute of Technology and is a leading researcher in tribology, contact mechanics, friction, wear, and lubrication. He serves as Editor-in-Chief of the ASME Journal of Tribology and leads a research group focused on multiscale modeling, electrical contact reliability, and sustainable biolubricants. His research interests include: tribology, friction, wear, surface engineering, surface fatigue, lubrication, nano-lubricants, surface texturing, and multiphysics modeling. He applies these to challenges in electric vehicles, aerospace systems, and biomedical devices. His work integrates experimental validation with finite element and statistical modeling to understand contact behavior across scales. His recent publications focus on electrical erosion in EV bearings, nanoparticle-enhanced greases, mixed lubrication models, and biolubricants from waste oil. These works reflect a strong trend toward sustainable engineering, advanced materials, and predictive modeling in mechanical systems. His interdisciplinary approach bridges mechanical, materials, and electrical engineering. ASME Fellow Fellow, Society of Tribologists and Lubrication Engineers (STLE) Ralph Beard Memorial Academic Award Editor-in-Chief, ASME Journal of Tribology Dr. Jackson advises graduate students such as Jack Janik and collaborates with researchers on projects involving electrical connectors, solenoid valves, and biolubricant development. His lab engages in both fundamental contact mechanics and applied industrial problems. He leads the tribology minor and student sections of ASME and STLE at Auburn.










