MEMSDUKEPRATT School of engineering

Education

  • PhD, University of Virginia, 1986
  • MS, University of Virginia, 1982
  • BS, University of Virginia, 1980
Josiah Knight
  • Office Location: 175 Hudson Hall
  • Office Phone: (919) 660-5337
  • Email Address: jknight@duke.edu

    • The goal of Professor Knight's research in lubrication is to develop reliable and efficient methods of determining the temperatures and pressures in a lubricant film in order to predict the forces contributed by the film to the dynamics of a rotating shaft. The current focus is on examining the effects of internal heat generation and heat transfer between the film and its surroundings and the interaction between thermal effects and cavitation. Bearings are analyzed as components of turbomachine dynamic systems for purposes of forced vibration analysis, prediction of stability and transient motion calculations. This research involves the study of fluid mechanics, thermodynamics, heat transfer, and dynamics.

    In the related area of rotor dynamics, research is underway on the application of magnetic suspension to the control of vibrations in rotating machinery. Magnetic bearings and actuators have the potential to improve dramatically the safety, reliability and efficiency of turbomachinery, with applications in power generation, transportation, chemical and manufacturing industries. This work combines aspects of the study of linear and nonlinear vibrations and control theory.

    Specialties
    Lubrication
    Fluid Mechanics
    Thermodynamics
    Alternative Energy
    Controls
    Vibration
    Nonlinear Systems

    TEACHING (Fall 2009)

    ME 121.01, ENERGY ENG AND ENVIRONMENT, TuTh 10:05 AM-11:20 AM

    TEACHING (Spring 2010)

    EGR 190L.001, ENERGY AND ENVIRONMENT DESIGN,
    ENVIRON 190L.01, ENERGY AND ENVIRONMENT DESIGN, TuTh 10:05 AM-11:20 AM
    EGR 190L.01L, ENERGY AND ENVIRONMENT DESIGN,
    ENVIRON 298.23, ENERGY TECH AND ENVL IMPACT, MW 11:40 AM-12:55 PM

    Recent Publications More Publications

    1. J. D. Knight, Strategic plan guides STLE toward future success - New mission statement is first step, Lubrication Engineering, vol. 58 no. 4 (2002), ppt. 5 -- +
    2. J. D. Knight and P. Ghadimi, Analysis and observation of cavities in a journal bearing considering flow continuity, Tribology Transactions, vol. 44 no. 1 (2001), ppt. 88 -- 96 [abs]
    3. Knight, Josiah D. and Ghadimi, Parviz, Analysis and observation of cavities in a journal bearing considering flow continuity, Tribology Transactions, vol. 44 no. 1 (2001), ppt. 88 - 96 [abs]
    4. Ecker, Horst and Knight, Josiah D. and Wu, Lan, Nonlinear dynamic simulation of an active magnetic bearing system with non-symmetric coordinate coupling forces, American Society of Mechanical Engineers (Paper), (1997), ppt. 8 - [abs]
    5. Ecker, H. and Knight, J.D., Simulation of rotordynamic systems with ACSL, EUROSIM '95 Simulation Congress. Proceedings of the 1995 EUROSIM Conference, EUROSIM '95, (1995), ppt. 687 - 92 [abs]

    Research Interests

      Fluid mechanics, thermodynamics, heat transfer, and dynamics

    The mission of Duke's Mechanical Engineering and Materials Science educational programs is to provide the knowledge, skills, and credentials needed to be successful in the practice of engineering; the preparation necessary to undertake professional registration; an educational preparation for graduate or professional study; and an education background that is the basis for professional growth and leadership throughout a career that may encompass a broad range of endeavors, both technical and non-technical.