Researcher biography

Dr Jeff Gates's research interests are in: (a) Engineering failure analysis and forensic metallurgy; (b) Abrasive wear and wear-resistant alloys.

Dr Gates received his PhD from Monash University in 1985 and spent 15 years as an academic and senior researcher at the University of Queensland before starting UQ Materials Performance. He has been the Principal of UQMP (http://www.uqmp.com/) since its inception in 1998.

Dr Gates current long-term research projects are in the fields of:

  • Development of white cast irons with improved abrasion resistance and fracture toughness
  • Development of a suite of new-generation abrasive wear tests with verified predictive ability
  • Development of methodologies for improving resistance to fatigue failure in machinery, including railway axles and conveyer drives
  • Understanding the mechanical and metallurgical factors controlling the incidence of fires of electrical origin and other electrocutions