Rate My Professor Brian Shaw

Professor Brian Shaw is Professor of Transmission Materials Engineering and Director of the Design Unit at the Gear Technology Centre within the School of Engineering at Newcastle University. He also holds the position of Director of Business and Engagement for the School of Engineering. Shaw's research specializes in applying advanced characterisation methods to gear materials to deepen understanding of gear failure mechanisms and develop strategies to enhance transmission performance. This encompasses analysis of residual stresses and microstructure via combined X-ray and magnetic techniques, as well as evaluation of surface topography effects from manufacturing processes. By integrating this knowledge with rigorous component testing under realistic operating conditions—including lubricant, temperature, speed, and dynamic loading—his investigations have significantly advanced comprehension of gear fatigue mechanisms, yielding novel methods to improve gear durability and efficiency. Under his leadership, the Gear Technology Design Unit focuses on mechanical power transmission systems.

Shaw's contributions have directly influenced international standards, including current ISO gear standards and UK Naval Standards, affecting gear design in defense applications and global industry practices. His ongoing work involves industrial collaborations through Innovate UK funding, partnerships with the British Gear Association, and academic links with institutions such as RWTH Aachen, University of Bremen, Cardiff University, University of Huddersfield, Imperial College London, University of Sheffield, University of Strathclyde, Tampere University, and Xi'an Jiaotong University. Key publications include 'Case depth prediction of nitrided samples with Barkhausen noise measurement' (Metals, 2019), 'Internal spur gear root bending stress: A comparison of ISO 6336:1996, ISO 6336:2006...' (Journal of Mechanical Engineering Science, 2019), 'External spur gear root bending stress: A comparison of ISO 6336:2006...' (Mechanism and Machine Theory, 2017), 'A numerical simulation to relate the shot peening parameters to the induced residual stresses' (2008, 270 citations), 'Evaluation of tempering induced changes in the hardness profile of case-carburised EN36 steel using magnetic Barkhausen noise analysis' (2003, 153 citations), and 'Magnetic Barkhausen emission technique for evaluation of residual stress alteration by grinding in case-carburised En36 steel' (2005, 123 citations). These efforts highlight his substantial impact in gear technology and materials engineering.