From 4 June to 9 June 2025, Prof. Marek Szkodo, a Full Professor at the Department of Materials Science and Materials Technology, Gdańsk University of Technology, Poland visited the , , University of Malta.
Prof. Marek Szkodo is a respected expert in materials engineering, specializing in cavitation erosion of metals. His research focuses on enhancing cavitation resistance using advanced surface engineering methods such as laser treatment, glow discharge nitriding and Micro Arc Oxidation (MAO). He has developed original models and techniques for analysing the early stages of cavitation damage. With more than 170 scientific publications - including 57 in JCR-indexed journals - and four patents, his work combines theoretical and applied research. He has contributed to industrial innovations, served as a reviewer for JCR-listed scientific journals, and supervised many PhD students in materials degradation and surface engineering.
During his one-week stay, Prof. Szkodo presented a seminar titled “Cavitation Erosion of Metals and Alloys†to academic staff, technical personnel, and research support officers at the University of Malta. The seminar highlighted his research and expertise in the field, and the visit also served as a platform to explore potential avenues for future research collaboration between the two institutions.
Abstract of the seminar presentation:
Prof. Marek Szkodo is a respected expert in materials engineering, specializing in cavitation erosion of metals. His research focuses on enhancing cavitation resistance using advanced surface engineering methods such as laser treatment, glow discharge nitriding and Micro Arc Oxidation (MAO). He has developed original models and techniques for analysing the early stages of cavitation damage. With more than 170 scientific publications - including 57 in JCR-indexed journals - and four patents, his work combines theoretical and applied research. He has contributed to industrial innovations, served as a reviewer for JCR-listed scientific journals, and supervised many PhD students in materials degradation and surface engineering.
During his one-week stay, Prof. Szkodo presented a seminar titled “Cavitation Erosion of Metals and Alloys†to academic staff, technical personnel, and research support officers at the University of Malta. The seminar highlighted his research and expertise in the field, and the visit also served as a platform to explore potential avenues for future research collaboration between the two institutions.
Abstract of the seminar presentation:
This seminar will focus on the phenomenon of cavitation, explaining its fundamental principles and distinguishing between inertial and non-inertial cavitation. A brief historical overview of cavitation research will be provided to highlight its scientific and technological significance. Various applications of cavitation will be discussed, including its use in medicine for kidney stone disintegration and cancer cell destruction, in the chemical industry for liquid mixing, and in surface engineering for cleaning substrates prior to coating deposition. Special attention will be given to the negative effects of cavitation, particularly noise generation and, most importantly, cavitation erosion of metallic structural materials.
