Vítor M. G. Gomes, Faculty of Engineering of the University of Porto, Portugal
Vítor Gomes is a mechanical engineer specializing in fatigue analysis, structural design, and computational simulations. He holds a PhD in Mechanical Engineering from the Faculty of Engineering at the University of Porto (FEUP), focusing on fatigue performance methodologies for railway suspension systems. His expertise spans finite element analysis (FEA), 3D modeling, and programming, with proficiency in ANSYS, SolidWorks, Python, and C++. Over the years, Vítor has contributed to the development of railway rolling stock, robotic mechanisms, and material characterization through research and industry collaborations. His work includes project management, consulting, and supervising academic research. Currently, he serves as a Research and Development Engineer, optimizing production processes for electric motor components. He has been actively involved in EU-funded railway innovation projects and has authored several scientific papers. Passionate about engineering advancements, Vítor continues to shape the future of mechanical design and railway technology.
Profile.
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🎓 Education
PhD in Mechanical Engineering (2019-2023) – FEUP Thesis: “A Methodology for Fatigue Performance of Leaf Springs Suspensions for Freight Wagons” Dissertation: “Numerical Analysis of the Influence of Taper on Strength of Adhesively Bonded Joints” Project: “Design for a Friction Stir Spot Welding Machine” Master’s in Mechanical Engineering (2013-2016) – FCTUC Bachelor’s in Mechanical Engineering (2010-2013) – ISECVítor’s academic journey has focused on mechanical design, fatigue analysis, and railway structures. His research integrates computational simulations with experimental validation, contributing to innovative methodologies in mechanical engineering.
💼 Professional Experience
🔧 Research & Development Engineer (2024 – Present) – WEG Europe Monitoring and statistical control of production and assembly processes for electric motors and components.
🔬 Research Engineer
Developed, assembled, and tested full-scale railway components. Conducted finite element analysis (FEA) and fatigue assessments. Supervised academic projects and authored scientific publications. Provided consulting services for railway design and engineering projects. Mechanical Design Engineer (2016 – 2017) – TulaLabs Designed vehicle structures, robotic mechanisms, and air-compressed distribution networks. Created technical drawings and reports for engineering projects. 🎓 Intern Assistant Engineer (2014) – WEG Europe Assisted in mechanical design and fatigue testing.
🏆 Awards & Honors
🇵🇹 DB Rail Academy (2023) – Principles of Bogie Technology Certification 🇪🇺 EN 15085 Certification (2023) – Railway Welding of Vehicles and Components 📜 Product Management Certifications (2024-2025) – Agile Methodologies & Applications to Funded Projects 🔧 Computer & Programming Certifications (2021) – Python, C++, VBA Ordem dos Engenheiros (2015) – Ethics & Professional Deontology
🔍 Research Focus
Vítor’s research revolves around fatigue performance, finite element analysis (FEA), and mechanical design, particularly in railway engineering. His PhD focused on fatigue behavior of leaf springs in freight wagons, contributing to safer and more efficient railway suspension systems. He specializes in computational simulations for fatigue, welded joints, and bolted connections, utilizing software like ANSYS, LS-DYNA, and Simpack. His work extends to structural analysis of railway rolling stock, including bogies, wagon platforms, and auxiliary equipment supports. He actively participates in EU-funded projects such as Smart Wagons, Train Solutions, and Ferrovia 4.0, advancing railway innovation through research and consulting.
Publications
Gomes, V. M. G. et al. (2025) Full-Range Probabilistic Fatigue Modelling of 51CrV4 Steel of Parabolic Leaf Springs of Railway Rolling Stock – Metals (Under Review)
Gomes, V. M. G. et al. (2018) Fatigue Assessment of a Rail Profile under Shuttle Moving Loads – NEDCON Project Report
Carlos, (2020) Fatigue Behavior of Cold Roll-Formed Z-Rails for Rack Structures – Master Dissertation, FEUP
Silva, Lucas (2020) Monotonic and Fatigue Behaviour of Double Shear Bolted Joints – Master Dissertation, FEUP
Correia, Maria João (2019) Fatigue Behaviour of Cold-Rolled Profiles: Simulation and Characterization Studies – Master Dissertation, FEUP
Conclusion
Vítor Gomes is a strong candidate for the Best Researcher Award in fatigue analysis and structural durability. His academic background, technical expertise, and research contributions align well with the award criteria. However, enhancing his publication record, international collaborations, and industrial impact would further solidify his standing as a leading researcher in this field.