Ferenc Kun | Fracture and Fragmentation | Best Paper Award

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Prof. Ferenc Kun | Fracture and Fragmentation | Best Paper Award

Higher Education, University of Debrecen, Hungary

Professor Ferenc Kun (b. November 13, 1966) is a full professor at the Department of Theoretical Physics, University of Debrecen. He earned his PhD in 1998 and habilitated in 2006. In 2010, he received the Doctor of the Hungarian Academy of Sciences (HAS) degree. He was elected as a corresponding member of the Hungarian Academy of Sciences (MTA) in 2019 and as an ordinary member in 2025. Over his career, he has gained a global reputation as a leading expert in statistical physics—particularly in the fracture and fragmentation of materials. He has authored over 150 scientific papers, 125 of which appeared in peer-reviewed journals, amassing more than 3,200 independent citations and an h‑index of 32. He is head of the Doctoral School of Physics at Debrecen and contributes to the broader academic community through editorial duties, peer review, and organizing key international conferences.

Professional Profile

🎓 Education

Ferenc Kun’s academic journey began with studies in physics at the University of Debrecen, culminating in a PhD in Theoretical Physics in 1998. His doctoral work laid the foundation for a distinguished career in material-failure modeling. After his PhD, he pursued habilitation—a process leading to a formal qualification for university teaching and thesis supervision—completing it in 2006. His research, combining rigorous analytical methods with computational modeling, earned him the title of “Doctor of the Hungarian Academy of Sciences” (HAS) in 2010. He subsequently engaged in postdoctoral research via international fellowships in Germany and France, enriching his methodological repertoire in statistical and computational physics. These formative educational and early-career experiences shaped his approach to complex systems and material science, setting the stage for his development into a global leader in the statistical physics of fracture and fragmentation.

💼 Experience

Over his professional career, Professor Kun has steadily advanced through academic ranks to full professorship at the University of Debrecen. He has directed multiple national and European research projects, serving as principal investigator. His international experience includes fellowships in Germany and France, promoting cross-border scientific exchange. At Debrecen, he leads the Doctoral School of Physics and acts as associate editor of Frontiers in Physics – Interdisciplinary Physics and referee for numerous top-tier journals. Further, he organizes prominent conferences—e.g., “Particles” and “CFRAC”—on fracture and fragmentation. His supervision has extended to master’s, PhD, and postdoctoral researchers worldwide. He consistently integrates advanced computational techniques—like fiber-bundle models and discrete-element models—into theoretical and practical investigations, demonstrating his commitment to training the next generation of scientists while advancing his field empirically and methodologically.

🔬 Research Focus 

Professor Kun’s research centers on the statistical and computational modeling of material failure and fragmentation, from the nanoscale to geological scales. He is an expert in fiber-bundle models, which simulate ensembles of interacting elements under load, and discrete element methods that track particle-by-particle breakage. His work explores how complex systems fracture—a process governed by statistical scaling laws and universality classes. A key interest is the dynamic fragmentation of structures, such as the explosive cracking of rings, where he investigates how strain rate and geometry govern crack-pattern transitions and fragment size distributions. He has systematically mapped phase diagrams linking control parameters to fragmentation regimes. Other interests include crackling noise in porous rocks, anisotropic crack development in shrinking layers, and failure avalanches in networked systems. His integrated theoretical-experimental approach informs applications in materials design, structural safety, and even space-debris mitigation.

📚 Publication Top Notes

  1. “Control of fragment sizes of exploding rings.”
    Simulations of explosive ring fragmentation in 2D show a strain‑rate–induced dimensional crossover in crack patterns. By mapping out phase diagrams over strain rate and thickness, the study reveals scaling laws that enable tuning fragmentation regimes. Highlights theoretical contributions to fracture physics and practical implications for debris control.

  2. “Failure process of fiber bundles with random misalignment,” Phys. Rev. Research (2024‑09‑27), DOI 10.1103/PhysRevResearch.6.033344
    Co-authored with Allan, Batool, Danku, and Pál. Investigates how misalignment in fibers affects failure dynamics via computational modeling, offering insights into structural reliability of complex systems at various scales.

  3. “Discrete element model for the anisotropic cracking of shrinking material layers,” Int. J. Solids Struct. (2024‑08), DOI 10.1016/j.ijsolstr.2024.112890
    With Szatmári, Halász, Nakahara, and Kitsunezaki. Presents a DEM of anisotropic shrinkage cracking, explaining pattern formation in constricting layers—a key issue in materials and geological processes.

  4. “Effect of the loading condition on the statistics of crackling noise … porous rocks,” Royal Society Open Science (2023‑11), DOI 10.1098/rsos.230528
    Szuszik, Main, and Kun analyze acoustic emissions during rock failure under varied loading, revealing how stress conditions influence crackling‑noise statistics — relevant for seismology and geostructure assessment.

  5. “Size scaling of failure strength at high disorder,” Physica A (2023‑08), DOI 10.1016/j.physa.2023.128994
    With Danku and Pál. Studies how disorder level affects material strength scaling, bridging statistical physics and materials engineering for disordered solids.

  6. “Temporal evolution of failure avalanches of the fiber bundle model … complex networks,” Chaos (2022‑06), DOI 10.1063/5.0089634
    Batool, Danku, Pál, Kun. Explores burst events (“avalanches”) in fiber bundles tied via complex network architectures—linking network topology with failure dynamics.

  7. “Approach to failure through record breaking avalanches … heterogeneous stress field,” Physica A (2022‑05), DOI 10.1016/j.physa.2022.127015
    Kádár, Danku, Pál, Kun. Identifies record-breaking events during stress-driven failure, advancing theoretical tools for predicting catastrophic breakdown in disordered systems.

  8. “Evolution of anisotropic crack patterns in shrinking material layers,” Soft Matter (2021), DOI 10.1039/D1SM01193F
    Szatmári, Halász, Nakahara, Kitsunezaki, Kun. Combines simulation and theory to describe directional cracking in drying/shrinking films—relevant to both material coating and geological weathering.

  9. “Curvature flows, scaling laws and the geometry of attrition under impacts,” Scientific Reports (2021‑12), DOI 10.1038/s41598-021-00030-1
    Studied shape evolution and wear in spheres under repeated impacts, deriving curvature‑based scaling laws for attrition—a cross-disciplinary mechanics result.

  10. “Stick‑Slip Dynamics in Fiber Bundle Models …” and “Editorial: The Fiber Bundle,” Frontiers in Physics (2021)
    *Kun authored both a research article on stick–slip failure and a thematic editorial, establishing thought leadership in fiber bundle modeling.

    🏁 Conclusion

    Professor Ferenc Kun is exceptionally well-qualified for a Research for Best Paper Award, particularly with the nominated paper on controlling fragmentation via strain-rate tuning. His contribution stands out due to:

    • Its technical depth and theoretical rigor,

    • The practical applicability of the findings,

    • A strong history of scholarly productivity, and

    • His recognized leadership in the global fracture and statistical physics community.

Tajbakhsh Navid Chakherlou | Fatigue and fracture | Best Researcher Award

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Prof Dr Tajbakhsh Navid Chakherlou | Fatigue and fracture | Best Researcher Award

professor , The Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, University of Tabriz , Iran

Dr. Tajbakhsh Navid Chakherlou is a renowned professor in the Department of Mechanical Engineering at the University of Tabriz, Iran. Born on September 18, 1968, in Iran, he has over 25 years of academic and research experience in solid mechanics, particularly in the areas of fatigue and fracture mechanics, residual stress analysis, and bolted joint design. Dr. Chakherlou received his Ph.D. from the University of Bath, UK, in 2002, where he focused on improving the fatigue life of aerospace components. With a robust teaching portfolio, he has guided numerous MSc and Ph.D. students. He is widely recognized for his pioneering work in the mechanical engineering field, particularly on cold expansion and interference fitting methods to enhance the durability of fastener holes in critical applications.

Profile

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Strengths for the Best Researcher Award

  1. Extensive Expertise and Specialized Knowledge: Dr. Chakherlou’s expertise in mechanical engineering, particularly in the fields of fatigue and fracture mechanics, residual stress analysis, and the design of bolted joints, has been demonstrated through his high-impact research. His Ph.D. dissertation on cold expansion methods for improving the fatigue life of fastener holes in aerospace aluminium alloy 7075-T6 reflects a deep understanding of critical engineering challenges in materials science and solid mechanics.
  2. Prolific Research Contributions: Dr. Chakherlou has authored several highly cited papers that address fundamental issues in the field of mechanical engineering, particularly those involving fatigue life improvement for bolted and fastener joints. His work, such as “The effect of cold expansion on improving the fatigue life of fastener holes,” published in Engineering Failure Analysis, has become foundational in the field, cited 258 times, demonstrating a lasting impact in both academic and industrial applications.
  3. Impact on Engineering Design and Industry Applications: His research on improving fatigue life in aerospace components through methods such as cold expansion, interference fit, and bolt clamping force optimization has direct industrial applications, particularly in aerospace, automotive, and manufacturing sectors. This work is crucial for enhancing the safety and durability of structural components under cyclic loading.
  4. Teaching Excellence and Mentorship: Dr. Chakherlou has been an active educator for over two decades, teaching a wide range of courses in solid mechanics, fatigue and fracture, plasticity theory, and numerical methods at the University of Tabriz. He has also supervised numerous MSc and Ph.D. theses, many of which have contributed significantly to advancing knowledge in the field. His leadership in the academic community, mentoring a generation of students and researchers, is a clear strength in his career.
  5. Collaboration and International Recognition: His collaborative work with institutions and researchers internationally, as well as the high citation count of his publications, indicates his recognition in the global academic community. His contributions to top journals such as Fatigue & Fracture of Engineering Materials & Structures, Engineering Failure Analysis, and Aerospace Science and Technology have helped solidify his standing as a leader in his field.
  6. Administrative and Leadership Roles: Dr. Chakherlou’s experience in administrative roles, including directing workshops and organizing engineering departments, highlights his ability to contribute to the overall development of his institution. His leadership is an essential component of his career, balancing research, teaching, and institutional growth.

Areas for Improvement

  1. Broader Range of Collaborative Projects: While Dr. Chakherlou has made substantial contributions in the area of mechanical engineering, particularly in fatigue and fracture mechanics, future research could benefit from exploring more interdisciplinary collaborations. For example, integrating his work with cutting-edge technologies such as additive manufacturing, smart materials, or computational optimization could open new avenues for improving material performance and sustainability in engineering design.
  2. Engagement with Emerging Research Areas: Given the rapidly evolving landscape of mechanical engineering, including areas like AI-driven design, nanotechnology, and machine learning applications in material science, Dr. Chakherlou could expand his research interests to engage with these emerging fields. Exploring how these technologies can improve the fatigue life of materials or optimize mechanical systems could enhance his work’s relevance in the next generation of engineering challenges.
  3. Public Dissemination of Research: While Dr. Chakherlou has an impressive body of work and significant impact in peer-reviewed journals, he could work on increasing the visibility of his research to a broader audience outside of academia, including industry leaders and policymakers. Engaging in more outreach activities, public talks, or publishing in more industry-focused journals could further elevate his influence.
  4. Increased Focus on Sustainability and Environmental Considerations: Considering the global emphasis on sustainability, incorporating research on environmentally friendly manufacturing processes or the development of materials with better energy efficiency and recyclability could significantly enhance the societal impact of his work.

Education

Dr. Chakherlou completed his Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering at the University of Bath, UK, in 2002, specializing in the fatigue life improvement of fastener holes using cold expansion techniques. His MSc was awarded by the Iran University of Science and Technology in 1995, where his thesis focused on the fatigue behavior of notched members. He earned his BSc in Mechanical Engineering from Amir Kabir University of Technology in 1992. His extensive academic training equipped him with a deep understanding of solid mechanics, which he applies in both his research and teaching. The combination of his education and international research experience has positioned him as an influential figure in the engineering community, particularly in the design and optimization of mechanical systems under cyclic loads.

Experience

Dr. Chakherlou has been a Professor of Solid Mechanics at the University of Tabriz since 2012. He has previously served as an Associate Professor (2008–2012) and Assistant Professor (2002–2008). Before that, he was a Lecturer at Sahand University of Technology (1996–1999). He has taught a wide range of courses, including Finite Element Methods, Fatigue and Fracture, Theory of Plasticity, Thermoelasticity, and Metal Forming at both undergraduate and graduate levels. As a Workshop Director at Sahand University of Technology (1996–1999), Dr. Chakherlou managed and developed the materials engineering department’s practical training programs. He also served in administrative roles, including organizing engineering departments in Mianeh (2006–2010), enhancing his leadership and management skills. His comprehensive experience spans teaching, research, and administrative responsibilities.

Awards and Honors

Dr. Chakherlou has received multiple Research Excellence Awards throughout his career, recognizing his contributions to solid mechanics and fatigue life improvement. His highly-cited papers have earned international recognition, and his work on cold expansion methods is considered pioneering in the aerospace and automotive industries. His collaboration with top international researchers has earned him accolades in academic circles, and his leadership in supervising MSc and Ph.D. theses has shaped the next generation of engineers. His publications, many of which have appeared in prestigious journals like Engineering Failure Analysis and Fatigue & Fracture of Engineering Materials & Structures, have contributed significantly to the scientific community. Although specific awards are not listed, his citation count and contributions to critical fields underline his academic achievements.

Research Focus

Dr. Chakherlou’s research focuses on fatigue and fracture mechanics, specifically the improvement of the fatigue life of fastener holes and bolted joints in aerospace and manufacturing components. He is particularly known for his work on cold expansion and interference fit methods to enhance the residual stresses around fastener holes, thus improving the fatigue strength of materials like aerospace aluminum alloys. His research involves both numerical simulations and experimental investigations to explore the influence of various factors such as clamping force, bolt preload, and temperature on the fatigue performance of joints. He also investigates the fracture behavior and stress distribution in bolted and hybrid joints. Dr. Chakherlou’s interdisciplinary approach bridges mechanical engineering with practical industry applications, particularly in the aerospace, automotive, and manufacturing sectors.

Publications

  1. The effect of cold expansion on improving the fatigue life of fastener holes 🔧💥
  2. Experimental and numerical investigation of the effect of clamping force on the fatigue behaviour of bolted plates 🔩📊
  3. An investigation about interference fit effect on improving fatigue life of a holed single plate in joints ⚙️📐
  4. The effect of bolt clamping force on the fracture strength and the stress intensity factor of a plate containing a fastener hole with edge cracks 🔩💥
  5. Experimental and numerical investigations into the effect of an interference fit on the fatigue life of double shear lap joints 🔧🛠️
  6. A novel method of cold expansion which creates near‐uniform compressive tangential residual stress around a fastener hole 🌀🔩
  7. An experimental investigation of the bolt clamping force and friction effect on the fatigue behavior of aluminum alloy 2024-T3 double shear lap joint 🛠️🪛
  8. Effects of aluminum surface treatments on the interfacial fracture toughness of carbon-fiber aluminum laminates 🌐🔬
  9. Investigation of bolt clamping force on the fatigue life of double lap simple bolted and hybrid (bolted/bonded) joints via experimental and numerical analysis ⚙️💡
  10. Experimental and numerical comparison of cold expansion and interference fit methods in improving fatigue life of holed plate in double shear lap joints 🔩🔧
  11. On the fatigue behavior of cold expanded fastener holes subjected to bolt tightening 🔧🛠️
  12. Experimental and numerical study of fatigue crack growth of aluminum alloy 2024-T3 single lap simple bolted and hybrid (adhesive/bolted) joints 📉⚙️
  13. Prediction of fatigue life in aircraft double lap bolted joints using several multiaxial fatigue criteria 🚀🔩
  14. Investigation of the fatigue life and crack growth in torque tightened bolted joints 🔩⚡
  15. Numerical simulation of residual stress relaxation around a cold‐expanded fastener hole under longitudinal cyclic loading using different kinematic hardening models 💻🔬

Conclusion

Dr. Tajbakhsh Navid Chakherlou’s career is a testament to his dedication and excellence in the field of mechanical engineering, particularly in the areas of fatigue and fracture mechanics, fastener design, and material improvement methods. His prolific research, impactful publications, and longstanding teaching career position him as an ideal candidate for the Best Researcher Award. His work has not only advanced the field but has also had significant practical applications in aerospace and manufacturing industries.While there are areas where he could expand his research focus, such as interdisciplinary collaboration, emerging technologies, and sustainability, these are complementary directions for future growth and do not detract from his outstanding achievements to date. Therefore, Dr. Chakherlou is highly deserving of the Best Researcher Award in recognition of his significant contributions to engineering science and education.