Vítor Gomes | Fatigue | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Vítor Gomes | Fatigue | Best Researcher Award

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.

orcid

🎓 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 StockMetals (Under Review)

Gomes, V. M. G. et al. (2018) Fatigue Assessment of a Rail Profile under Shuttle Moving LoadsNEDCON Project Report

Carlos, (2020) Fatigue Behavior of Cold Roll-Formed Z-Rails for Rack StructuresMaster Dissertation, FEUP

Silva, Lucas (2020) Monotonic and Fatigue Behaviour of Double Shear Bolted JointsMaster Dissertation, FEUP

Correia, Maria João (2019) Fatigue Behaviour of Cold-Rolled Profiles: Simulation and Characterization StudiesMaster 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.

 

MADANI Kouider | patch repair process | Excellence in Research

Mr. MADANI Kouider | Functional polymer composites | Excellence in Research

researcher at universite djillali liabes, Algeria

Dr. Kouider Madani is an Associate Professor of Mechanical Engineering at Djilali Liabes University, Algeria. With over three decades of academic and research experience, he specializes in fracture mechanics, fatigue, composites, and finite element analysis. Dr. Madani has supervised numerous theses, published extensively, and contributed significantly to the scientific community through teaching, administration, and organizing academic events.

Publication Profile

scholar

Education🎓

Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering (Material Science), Djilali Liabes University, Algeria, 2007. Master’s in Mechanical Engineering (Material Science), Djilali Liabes University, Algeria, 1998.  Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering, Djilali Liabes University, Algeria, 1994.

Experience👨‍🏫

Professor, Djilali Liabes University (2013–present).  Associate Professor, Djilali Liabes University (2008–2013).  Senior Assistant Professor, Djilali Liabes University (2007–2008).  Assistant Professor, Djilali Liabes University (2002–2007).  Lecturer and Assistant Teacher, Djilali Liabes University (1994–2002).

Awards and Honors🏆

Member of several university scientific councils since 2002. Recognized as a team leader for research on material behavior and damage mechanisms.  Key organizer and contributor to major academic events and conferences. Integral member of national mechanical and industrial scientific committees.

Research Focus🔬

Expertise in fracture mechanics, composite repair, and functionally graded materials.  Numerical analysis using advanced tools like Abaqus and FRANC2D/L. Investigation of fatigue behaviors, bonded joints, and material damage mechanisms. Experimental and computational analysis of materials under various mechanical stresses.

Publication  Top Notes

 

1. Moisture and Hygrothermal Effects

Boukhoulda et al., 2006: Investigates the impact of fiber orientation on moisture absorption and material degradation in composites, showing significant effects of hygrothermal aging.

Rezgani et al., 2018: Examines adhesive aging under hygrothermal conditions and its impact on crack propagation in composite repairs.

Rezgani et al., 2010: Studies the influence of hygrothermal aging on stress intensity factors (SIF) in bonded repairs of aircraft structures.

2. Adhesive Bonding and Defects

Mokhtari et al., 2013: Explores how properties of composite adherends affect stress distribution in double-lap bonded joints, providing insights into joint optimization.

Benchiha & Madani, 2015: Analyzes the effects of defects on shear stress in adhesive layers of single-lap joints.

Elhannani et al., 2017 (Parts I & II): A two-part study on bonding defects in single-lap joints, combining deterministic and probabilistic methods to assess critical states.

3. Composite Repairs and Stress Analysis

Madani et al., 2009: Focuses on stress distribution in aluminum plates repaired with composite patches, highlighting the effectiveness of carbon/epoxy materials.

Bellali et al., 2020: Utilizes CZM and XFEM to predict damage in aluminum notched plates reinforced with composite patches.

4. Crack Propagation and Stress Factors

Ghermaoui et al., 2019: Conducts a multiscale analysis of hydrogen-induced softening in nickel crystals, linking it to stress effects.

Rezgani et al., 2016: Studies water ingress and its impact on crack propagation in aluminum plates repaired with composites.

5. Finite Element and Analytical Methods

Elhannani et al., 2016: Develops an analytical optimization model for single-lap bonded joints, addressing stress distribution and joint performance.

Houari et al., 2021: Applies finite element analysis (FEA) to predict damage in functionally graded material (FGM) plates under tensile loads.

6. Composite Design and Failure Analysis

Mokhtari et al., 2017: Investigates how composite stacking sequence affects the failure load of bonded joints.

Benamar et al., 2019: Employs cohesive zone modeling (CZM) to predict failure loads in bonded joints under tensile and compressive forces.

 

Conclusion

Dr. Kouider Madani is a distinguished researcher and educator whose extensive contributions to mechanical engineering make him highly suitable for the Excellence in Research award. His profound expertise in materials science, demonstrated through an impressive publication record, supervisory achievements, and active engagement in academic leadership, underscores his impactful career. Enhancing global collaborations and focusing on innovation-driven outcomes could further bolster his legacy in engineering research.