Zening Wang | Fracture and Damage Mechanics | Best Researcher Award

Published on by Global Mechanics Awards

Mr. Zening Wang | Fracture and Damage Mechanics | Best Researcher Award

Postdoctoral at University of Science and Technology | China

Mr. Zening Wang is a distinguished postdoctoral fellow at the Institute of Advanced Materials and Technology, University of Science and Technology Beijing, where he has established himself as a rising researcher in the field of corrosion and protection of metallic materials. Born in Shanxi, China, Dr. Wang pursued his academic journey with dedication, culminating in a Doctoral Degree in Materials Science and Engineering from the University of Science and Technology Beijing. His research primarily focuses on the mechanisms of corrosion behavior, protective coatings, electrochemical performance enhancement, and the development of advanced anti-corrosion materials for structural and functional applications. Dr. Wang’s expertise integrates experimental analysis with materials design principles, contributing to the advancement of sustainable and high-performance metallic systems for industrial and environmental use. His innovative approach explores the interplay between microstructural evolution and surface modification to improve material longevity under harsh conditions. Beyond his core research, Dr. Wang has been actively involved in interdisciplinary collaborations aimed at addressing the challenges of corrosion control in infrastructure, energy, and manufacturing sectors. His scholarly work has appeared in recognized international journals and conferences, reflecting both scientific rigor and applied innovation. As a postdoctoral researcher, he continues to expand the boundaries of knowledge in materials protection, corrosion science, and functional material development. Dr. Wang’s contributions embody a deep commitment to advancing the mechanics of functional materials and structures, aligning perfectly with the objectives of the International Research Awards on Mechanics of Functional Materials and Structures, for which he is being nominated. His academic excellence, practical insights, and passion for innovation make him a significant contributor to the global materials science community.

Profile: Scopus

Featured Publications:

Wang, Z., Yan, Y., Wu, Y., Zhang, Y., Zhao, X., Su, Y., & Qiao, L. (2023). Recent research progress on the passivation and selective oxidation for the 3d-transition-metal and refractory multi-principal element alloys. npj Materials Degradation, 7, Article 86.

Wang, Z., Jing, S., & Yan, Y. (2025). Effect of pre-strain induced microstructure evolution on hydrogen embrittlement resistance of a CoCrNi medium-entropy alloy. Materials, 18(21), 4915.

Wang, Z. (Author). Electrochemical behavior and passivation film characterization of TiZrHfNb multi-principal element alloys in NaCl-containing solution.

Vítor Gomes | Fatigue | Best Researcher Award

Published on by Global Mechanics Awards

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 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.