Prof. Dr. Teodor Atanackovic | Mathematical Physics | Best Researcher Award

Professor emeritus, University of Novi Sad, Serbia

Prof. Dr. Teodor Atanackovic is a renowned Serbian mechanical engineer and applied mathematician affiliated with the University of Novi Sad and a full member of the Serbian Academy of Arts and Sciences. With a distinguished academic career spanning more than five decades, he is internationally recognized for his pioneering contributions to mechanics, fractional calculus, and the theory of elasticity. His work bridges the disciplines of engineering and mathematics, significantly advancing theoretical frameworks and practical applications in structural analysis, vibration theory, and continuum mechanics.

Professional Profile

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🎓 Education

Prof. Atanackovic began his academic journey in Sibac and Novi Sad, attending school from 1952 to 1964. He pursued a degree in Mechanical Engineering at the University of Novi Sad from 1964 to 1969. His graduate studies took him to the University of Kentucky, USA, where he earned a Master of Science in Engineering Mechanics in 1973, followed by a Ph.D. in Engineering Mechanics in 1974. These foundational years abroad profoundly influenced his future research trajectory and scientific collaborations.

💼 Professional Experience

Returning to Serbia after his doctorate, Prof. Atanackovic started as an Assistant at the Department of Mechanics, University of Novi Sad (1975–1978), quickly advancing to Assistant Professor (1978–1983), then Associate Professor (1983–1988), and finally Ordinary Professor from 1988 onward. In 2014, he was named Professor Emeritus. His leadership roles include Chairman of the Department of Applied Mechanics (2000–2006) and Vice-Rector for Science at the University of Novi Sad (2001–2002). From 2006 to 2010, he chaired the Department of Mechanics at the Mathematical Institute of the Serbian Academy. He has also participated in international research collaborations, notably with the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation and the US-Yugoslav NSF Project (1988–1991).

🔬 Research Interests

Prof. Atanackovic’s research encompasses mechanics of deformable bodies, fractional calculus, variational principles, elastic stability, and vibration theory. He is especially known for advancing the use of fractional derivatives in mechanical modeling, significantly influencing the understanding of nonlocal and memory-dependent materials. His theoretical innovations have found application in various domains, from civil engineering to biomechanics and materials science.

📚 Publications Top Notes

Fractional Calculus with Applications in Mechanics: Vibrations and Diffusion Processes

• Authors: T.M. Atanackovic, S. Pilipovic, B. Stankovic, D. Zorica

• Publisher: John Wiley & Sons

• Year of Publication: 2014

• Citations: 757

Summary:
This landmark monograph serves as a pioneering reference in applying fractional calculus to continuum mechanics. The authors offer a systematic treatment of fractional differential equations and their application to vibrations, diffusion, and viscoelasticity. The book is structured to guide readers from fundamental definitions and properties of fractional operators to real-world mechanical models involving memory effects and hereditary phenomena. It is particularly impactful in modeling non-local behavior in materials and anomalous transport processes, which classical integer-order models fail to accurately represent. Its interdisciplinary relevance spans materials science, control systems, and applied physics, and it remains a foundational text in this field.

Theory of Elasticity for Scientists and Engineers

• Authors: T.M. Atanackovic, A. Guran

• Publisher: Springer Science & Business Media

• Year of Publication: 2000

• Citations: 253

Summary:
This book is a thorough introduction to the classical theory of elasticity, crafted for both engineering students and researchers. It presents the theory with clarity and precision, beginning with basic kinematics of deformation and stress tensors, and progressing to the formulation and solution of boundary value problems in elasticity. Topics include 2D and 3D elasticity, anisotropic materials, and the mechanics of plates and shells. The book is valued for its balance between mathematical rigor and engineering application, making it a versatile text across mechanical, civil, and materials engineering programs.

Variational Problems with Fractional Derivatives: Euler–Lagrange Equations

• Authors: T.M. Atanackovic, S. Konjik, S. Pilipovic

• Journal: Journal of Physics A: Mathematical and Theoretical, Vol. 41, Issue 9

• Year of Publication: 2008

• Citations: 206

Summary:
In this influential paper, the authors derive the Euler–Lagrange equations for variational problems involving fractional derivatives, establishing a new theoretical framework for nonlocal variational mechanics. The work bridges fractional calculus with classical calculus of variations, allowing for a more general treatment of physical systems with long-term memory or spatial nonlocality. The study includes fractional functionals with both left and right Riemann–Liouville derivatives, offering significant generalizations of existing models. This paper has become a reference point for researchers working on fractional Lagrangian mechanics and the extension of Hamiltonian systems.

Stability Theory of Elastic Rods

• Author: T.M. Atanackovic

• Publisher: World Scientific Publishing

• Year of Publication: 1997

• Citations: 194

Summary:
This monograph provides a detailed examination of the stability behavior of elastic rods and beams under various loading and boundary conditions. It covers linear and nonlinear stability analysis, bifurcation theory, and post-buckling behavior. The author explores analytical and numerical methods, offering insights into phenomena such as Euler buckling, dynamic stability, and perturbation techniques. The book is widely cited by engineers and mathematicians working in structural mechanics, aerospace engineering, and biomechanics, particularly in the modeling of slender structures like columns, beams, and bio-filaments.

Variational Problems with Fractional Derivatives: Invariance Conditions and Noether’s Theorem

• Authors: T.M. Atanackovic, S. Konjik, S. Pilipovic, S. Simic

• Journal: Nonlinear Analysis: Theory, Methods & Applications, Vol. 71, Issues 5–6

• Year of Publication: 2009

• Citations: 163

Summary:
This paper extends the classical Noether’s theorem—which relates symmetries and conservation laws—to systems governed by fractional differential equations. By defining invariance conditions in the fractional context, the authors show that conserved quantities can be derived for systems exhibiting fractional dynamics. This work is instrumental for theoretical physics and applied mathematics, especially in modeling systems with energy dissipation and time-delay effects. It lays the foundation for developing symmetry-based conservation laws in complex mechanical systems and has wide implications in control theory and dynamical systems.

On a Numerical Scheme for Solving Differential Equations of Fractional Order

• Authors: T.M. Atanackovic, B. Stankovic

• Journal: Mechanics Research Communications, Vol. 35, Issue 7

• Year of Publication: 2008

• Citations: 156

Summary:
This article introduces an efficient numerical method for solving fractional differential equations (FDEs), which are central to modeling memory-driven and nonlocal phenomena. The authors propose a discretization approach tailored to the characteristics of FDEs, ensuring numerical stability and convergence. The study includes simulations and error analysis, making it a valuable resource for engineers and scientists implementing fractional models in computational environments. It addresses the long-standing challenge of simulating systems described by non-integer order equations and has found utility in material modeling, viscoelastic analysis, and control systems.

🔚 Conclusion

Prof. Dr. Teodor Atanackovic’s distinguished academic and research career has left an indelible mark on modern mechanics and applied mathematics. Through his pioneering efforts in fractional calculus and elasticity, he has opened new avenues for scientific exploration and practical problem-solving. His leadership, mentorship, and collaborative spirit continue to inspire generations of researchers worldwide. Prof. Atanackovic’s work is not only widely cited but also profoundly impactful across disciplines, making him a most deserving candidate for this prestigious award nomination.