Dr. Nicholas Morris is a member of the academic staff in the Tribology and Dynamics group at Loughborough University, leading multiple industry-collaborative projects. His research focuses on powertrain tribological wear and efficiency, with expertise in gear and bearing lubrication, friction dynamics, and lubrication strategies. He has a particular interest in experimental and modelling approaches to improve understanding of electrically induced bearing damage in e-machines.

This presentation examines the drivers behind electrically induced discharge damage in variable-speed electric motor bearings. It explores both experimental and numerical methods to enhance our understanding of elastohydrodynamic film dielectric breakdown. Key factors, including surface roughness and legacy electrical discharge pits at bearing interfaces, are analysed, with a focus on their impact on electric field strength and discharge current density.