Rate My Professor Jason Willis

Jason Willis is a researcher and PhD student affiliated with the School of Engineering in the College of Engineering, Science and Environment at the University of Newcastle, Australia. He is associated with the Centre for Bulk Solids and Particulate Technologies (CBSPT) and TUNRA Bulk Solids, where he contributes to applied research in bulk materials handling and transportation. Willis lectures MECH2110 Mechanical Engineering Design 1, covering topics such as software design, mechatronics, and engineering design principles within the mechanical engineering curriculum. His email address is jason.willis@newcastle.edu.au.

Willis's research specializes in conveyor engineering, focusing on drive pulley lagging friction, pulley lagging selection and performance, friction characteristics in belt conveyors, and optimization of overland conveyor systems. He has co-authored several key publications, including 'Identification of Conveyor Drive Pulley Lagging Friction' with P. Robinson, M. Carr, J. O'Shea, A. Kirkland, C. Wheeler, and M. Ballestrin (ICBMH2023, pp. 173-180, 2023); 'Pulley Lagging Selection and Performance Optimisation' with T. Srivastava, M. Ballestrin, B. Lawson, and P. Robinson (ICBMH2023, pp. 362-371, 2023); 'Friction is not friction' with P. Robinson, M. Ballestrin, M. Carr, and C. Wheeler (Australian Bulk Handling Review 28:60-63, 2023); 'Engineering analysis to lagging performance' with M. Ballestrin, P. Robinson, M. Carr, and C. Wheeler (Australian Bulk Handling Review 28:16-18, 2022); and 'A Deeper Understanding of Conveyor Pulley Friction' with P. Robinson, C. Wheeler, M. Ballestrin, and M. Carr (Australian Bulk Handling Review 26:59-64, 2021). These works explore frictional behavior between belt and pulley lagging materials, variations in friction coefficients with load and slip velocity, and implications for high-capacity conveyor design. Additionally, Willis participates in industry presentations on conveyor engineering idler roll and drive system insights (2025). He serves as an investigator on grants including VIPER 2.0 – Vibration Assisted Recovery of Critical Minerals (2025, Jord International and Department of Education); Tailings to Topsoil - ACARP Component (2020, Australian Coal Research Limited); Three-dimensional modelling of conveyor belt drive mechanics (2022, TUNRA); and Development of a smart monitoring safety system for conveyor belt lifting technology (2020, APM Engineering and Department of Industry). His contributions advance practical solutions for mining, materials processing, and bulk handling industries through collaborations with University of Newcastle researchers.