Prof. Dr. Adam Zdunek | Aerospace Materials | Best Researcher Award

Prof. Dr. Adam Zdunek | Aerospace Materials – Swedish Defense Research Agency FOI , Sweden

Dr. Adam Zdunek is a prominent figure in the field of computational mechanics, renowned for his contributions to finite element methods and the modeling of complex material behaviors. With a research career spanning over 40 years, he currently holds the position of Department Research Director in Aeronautics at the Swedish Defence Research Agency. His scholarly work bridges theoretical development and practical implementation in mechanical and aerospace engineering. Dr. Zdunek’s expertise in solid mechanics, combined with a rich publication history and active peer-review participation, underscores his sustained impact on the global research community.

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Education:

Dr. Zdunek earned his PhD in Solid Mechanics from the Royal Institute of Technology (KTH), Stockholm, one of Europe’s premier institutions for engineering and applied science. His academic training emphasized continuum mechanics, elasticity theory, and advanced numerical methods, laying a strong foundation for his later research in computational simulations and structural modeling. His doctoral work and subsequent research contributions reflect a deep theoretical grounding combined with applied relevance in engineering problems.

Experience:

Since 1983, Dr. Zdunek has been affiliated with the Swedish Defence Research Agency (FOI), where he currently serves as Department Research Director in Aeronautics. In this leadership role, he has overseen numerous projects focused on high-fidelity modeling, numerical simulation, and structural analysis in defense and aerospace contexts. His work spans research planning, algorithm development, solver implementation, and collaboration with both academic and governmental stakeholders. His career demonstrates a unique blend of long-term institutional commitment and adaptive innovation across changing technological landscapes.

Research Interest:

Dr. Zdunek’s research interests lie in solid mechanics, computational mechanics, and finite element analysis with a focus on hyperelasticity, compressibility, anisotropic behavior, and fiber-reinforced materials. He specializes in mixed finite element formulations, nearly incompressible/inextensible elasticity, and transversely isotropic material models. Additionally, he has explored high-performance solvers for large-scale mechanical problems and has contributed to the development of computational tools for simulations involving advanced materials. His work often addresses the mathematical stability and numerical precision required in structural and fluid-structure interaction models.

Award:

Although not individually decorated with high-profile personal awards, Dr. Zdunek’s professional record speaks volumes about his credibility and research excellence. His longstanding leadership role at the Swedish Defence Research Agency and his contributions to high-impact journals reflect sustained institutional recognition. He has also participated in peer reviewing for the journal Computers & Mathematics with Applications, reinforcing his role in maintaining scientific quality and contributing to the broader research ecosystem.

Publication:

📘 To ℘ or not to p – the mixed displacement–pressure p, versus the higher order ℘ displacement finite element formulation (2023, Computers & Mathematics with Applications) – Cited for advancing formulations in nearly incompressible elasticity.

📘 A discontinuous Petrov-Galerkin method for compressible Navier-Stokes equations in three dimensions (2021, Computers & Mathematics with Applications) – Highlighted for improving compressible flow simulations.

📘 Tests with FALKSOL: A massively parallel multi-level domain decomposing direct solver (2021, Computers & Mathematics with Applications) – Recognized for its impact on high-performance solvers.

📘 On Purely Mechanical Simple Kinematic Internal Constraints (2020, Journal of Elasticity) – Noted for its exploration of internal constraint modeling.

📘 A mixed finite element formulation for compressible finite hyperelasticity with two fibre family reinforcement (2019, Computer Methods in Applied Mechanics and Engineering) – Widely referenced in materials modeling.

📘 A mixed finite element formulation for slightly compressible finite elasticity with stiff fibre reinforcement (2018, Computers & Mathematics with Applications) – Cited in biomechanics and structural analysis.

📘 A novel computational formulation for nearly incompressible and nearly inextensible finite hyperelasticity (2014, Computer Methods in Applied Mechanics and Engineering) – Cited extensively for hyperelastic simulations.

Conclusion:

Dr. Adam Zdunek exemplifies the qualities of a leading researcher in mechanical and aerospace computational modeling. His deep understanding of finite element theory, combined with decades of experience in high-impact research environments, positions him as a strong candidate for the Best Researcher Award. His scholarly output, leadership role, and peer engagement reflect a professional dedication to advancing scientific frontiers. With a reputation for precision, consistency, and innovation, Dr. Zdunek’s work continues to shape the future of structural mechanics and computational engineering.

Dr. Luis Antonio Sanchez de Almeida Prado | Aerospace Materials | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Luis Antonio Sanchez de Almeida Prado – Capgemini Engineering, Germany

Dr. Luis Antonio Sanchez de Almeida Prado is a distinguished researcher and expert in the fields of sustainability, circular economy, and nanotechnology. With an extensive background in clean aviation and eco-design, he has contributed significantly to the development of innovative materials and technologies that promote environmental responsibility. His career spans decades of dedicated research, focusing on hybrid materials, Power-to-X solutions, and life-cycle assessments that enhance the efficiency and sustainability of various industries, particularly aviation and hydrogen technologies. Dr. Prado has worked in both academic and corporate settings, ensuring that his research has practical applications that drive technological advancements and ecological improvements.

Profile:

Orcid | Scopus

Education:

Dr. Prado earned his academic credentials from the State University of Campinas (UNICAMP) in Brazil. He completed his Doctorate in Sciences in 2001 at the Institute of Chemistry, following his Master’s degree in 1996. His foundational education in chemistry was solidified with a Bachelor’s degree from the same institution in 1992. His academic journey provided him with a robust foundation in chemical sciences, equipping him with the expertise necessary to explore interdisciplinary fields such as nanotechnology, organic-inorganic hybrid materials, and sustainable energy solutions.

Experience:

Dr. Prado’s professional career is marked by a blend of academic research and industry innovation. He has been an expert at Capgemini in France since 2012, where he has played a crucial role in advancing clean aviation technologies and sustainable material development. Prior to this, he served as a post-doctoral research associate at the Hamburg University of Technology (TUHH) from 2002 to 2012, working at the Institute for Plastics and Composite Materials. Before that, he contributed to groundbreaking research at the Helmholtz-Zentrum Hereon in Germany, focusing on chemistry-driven innovations. His vast experience reflects a commitment to bridging the gap between fundamental research and applied industrial solutions.

Research Interests:

Dr. Prado’s research is driven by sustainability and technological advancements. His key areas of interest include circular economy principles in material development, hydrogen-based energy solutions, and nanotechnology applications for eco-friendly aviation. He has contributed extensively to life-cycle assessment studies, ensuring that emerging materials and energy solutions minimize environmental impact. Additionally, his work on hybrid organic-inorganic materials has led to advancements in energy-efficient and high-performance materials, demonstrating his multidisciplinary approach to solving modern scientific challenges.

Awards:

Throughout his career, Dr. Prado has received recognition for his contributions to research and innovation. Notably, in 2022, he was honored with the Prize for The Technology SLAM 2021 at Capgemini Engineering, highlighting his influence in developing cutting-edge technological solutions. His work has not only been acknowledged in industry circles but has also had a significant impact on sustainable technological advancements in aviation and beyond.

Publications:

Dr. Prado has authored numerous scientific publications, with many cited in leading journals. Some of his key works include:

“Surface-Tailoring and Morphology Control as Strategies for Sustainable Development in Transport Sector” (2025, Aerospace) 🚀 – Focuses on sustainable material innovation.
“Circularity studies on high-performance thermoplastic demonstrators for the aircraft industry” (2023, Journal of Physics: Conference Series) 🔄 – Explores end-of-life concepts for aerospace materials.
“Development of Innovative and Eco-Friendly Airframe Technologies” (2022, ICAS Congress) ✈️ – Discusses sustainability-driven advancements in aircraft materials.
“Effect of Filler Functionalization on Thermo-Mechanical Properties” (2013, Journal of Materials Science) 🏗️ – Investigates filler-matrix molecular interactions.
“Hydrothermally Resistant Thermally Reduced Graphene Oxide and Carbon Nanotube Epoxy Nanocomposites” (2013, Polymer Degradation and Stability) 🔬 – Examines material stability under extreme conditions.
“Thermally Reduced Graphene Oxide Acting as a Trap for Multiwall Carbon Nanotubes in Bi-Filler Epoxy Composites” (2013, Composites Part A) 🌍 – Enhances the understanding of composite material behavior.
“Polymer Matrix Nanocomposites and Nanostructured Materials” (2012, Journal of Nanomaterials) 🏭 – Explores nanomaterial applications in polymer science.

Conclusion:

Dr. Luis Antonio Sanchez de Almeida Prado stands as a leading figure in sustainable material innovation, clean aviation technologies, and advanced nanotechnology research. His career spans academia and industry, with contributions that have pushed the boundaries of eco-friendly technology and circular economy principles. Through his extensive research, impactful publications, and recognition in the scientific community, Dr. Prado continues to be a driving force in the pursuit of a more sustainable and technologically advanced future.