Peter Hryniewicz

Peter Hryniewicz, PhD

  • Teaching Professor of Mechanical Engineering
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Affiliated Programs

Education

  • PhD, Mechanical Engineering (2000)
    University of Delaware (DE)
  • MS, Mechanical Engineering (1989)
    Technical University of Gdansk, Poland

About Me

After receiving my MS from Technical University of Gdansk, Poland and my PhD from the University of Delaware in mechanical engineering, I joined the staff at Widener University, where I currently serves as a senior lecturer in the mechanical engineering department. 

My areas of expertise and research interests are in applied lubrication theory, bearings, tribology, rotor dynamics, and renewable energy. 

My current work at Widener focuses in two areas: (1) Teaching a range of courses in the fluid-thermal area, and (2) Coordinating and teaching the first engineering course, ENGR 111 Engineering Techniques, for engineering freshmen.

Research Interests

I am interested in the research and development of bearing systems, seals, and dampers that will lead to energy efficiency and other improvements of turbomachinery. I am especially interested in compliant foil bearings and the applications where they can provide a major technological leap, such as oil-free propulsion, small turbomachinery, and ultra-high-speed micro-turbines for distributed power generation systems. 

Another related area of interest is the development of innovative rotor supports for high-speed kinetic energy storage devices (flywheels).

Media Expertise

  • Hydrodynamic bearings and lubrication
  • Compliant foil bearings
  • Sustainable energy

Publications

  • Hryniewicz, Piotr, Micha Wodtke, Artur Olszewski, and Romuald Rzadkowski. "Structural Properties of Foil Bearings: A Closed-Form Solution Validated with Finite Element Analysis." Tribology Transactions 52, no. 4 (2009): 435–446.
  • Heshmat, Hooshang, Piotr Hryniewicz, James F. Walton II, John P. Willis, S. Jahanmir, and Christopher DellaCorte. "Low-Friction Wear-Resistant Coatings for High-Temperature Foil Bearings." Tribology International 38, no. 11–12 (2005): 1059–1075.
  • Hryniewicz, Piotr, Dennis H. Locke, and Hooshang Heshmat. "New-Generation Development Rigs for Testing High-Speed Air-Lubricated Thrust Bearings." Tribology Transactions 46, no. 4 (2003): 556–559.

Professional Affiliations & Memberships

American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) - Executive Committee, Delaware Section

Awards

  • STTR Phase I from US Navy, Low-Cost Hybrid Bearing System for Gas Turbine Engines (2011)
  • Grant, Polish Committee for Scientific Research, water-lubricated compliant foil bearings (2005–2008)
  • Fellowship, Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Delaware (1994–1995)

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