Abstracts of PhD theses: PRODEM - Doctoral Program in Mechanical Engineering

This booklet contains extended abstracts of PhD theses of the Doctoral Program in Mechanical Engineering (PRODEM), DEMec, Faculty of Engineering, University of Porto, Portugal. These theses were defended between 1 September 2023 and 31 July 2024, corresponding approximately to the academic year 2023-2024.
The booklet contains nineteen extended abstracts covering diverse topics within the broad field of Mechanical Engineering. These include, but are not limited to, innovative methodologies in gear design, varied aspects of composite materials and their applications, simulation-driven product analysis and development, additive and other manufacturing techniques, studies of adhesive joints, fatigue and structural health monitoring, passive vibration control, application of solar energy, and the analysis of viscoelastic fluid flows. The abstracts are organised by the defence date and, when more than one defence occurred on the same day, by the name of the student.
PRODEM is very grateful to the former students for preparing these abstracts and extends its acknowledgment to both the students and their supervisors for the development of the corresponding PhD theses. The abstracts, and the sample publications mentioned in a few of them, illustrate the vibrant intervention of PRODEM students and their supervisors in the scientific community.
The success of PRODEM is built upon an active research environment, the knowledge and conditions accumulated by the host and collaborating institutions, and the dedication and expertise of students, lecturers and supervisors. Various funding sources, alongside FEUP’s contribution as host institution, supported the PhD theses. Most extended abstracts include acknowledgments to the respective funding sources, to which PRODEM also expresses its gratitude.