Erasmus+ Mobility Spotlight: Prof. Marek Szkodo Brings Cavitation Erosion Expertise to the University of Malta

Erasmus+ Mobility Spotlight: Prof. Marek Szkodo Brings Cavitation Erosion Expertise to the University of Malta

Erasmus+ Mobility at the University of Malta: A Case Study with Prof. Marek Szkodo

From 4 June to 9 June 2025, the University of Malta’s Department of Metallurgy and Materials Engineering hosted Full Professor Prof. Marek Szkodo from the Department of Materials Science and Materials Technology at Gdańsk University of Technology in Poland. The visit was part of the EU-funded Erasmus+ mobility program, aimed at fostering research collaboration and knowledge exchange between European universities.

Key Objectives of the Visit

  • Academic collaboration: Building joint research projects focused on cavitation erosion of metallic materials.
  • Knowledge transfer: Exposing University of Malta faculty, technical staff and postgraduate students to advanced surface engineering techniques, such as laser surface treatment, glow discharge nitriding, and Micro Arc Oxidation (MAO).
  • Industry engagement: Identifying sectors in Malta and the wider Mediterranean that could benefit from improved cavitation resistance (shipbuilding, marine pumps, aerodynamics).

Prof. Szkodo’s Seminar: Deep Dive into Cavitation Erosion

During a one‑hour seminar titled “Cavitation Erosion of Metals and Alloys”, Prof. Szkodo explored the fundamentals of cavitation, distinguishing between inertial and non‑inertial bubble collapse, and reviewed the historical development of the field. He emphasized the relevance of cavitation erosion in both destructive and constructive contexts— from the cleaning of substrates for thin‑film deposition to the corrosion of marine propellers.

Seminar Highlights

  • Fundamental principles: The lecture covered the hydrodynamic and acoustic phenomena that lead to bubble genesis and collapse.
  • Industrial applications: Use cases were presented for medicine (renal stone disintegration), petrochemicals (hydrocarbon mixing), and surface engineering.
  • Mitigation strategies: Prof. Szkodo showcased surface modification methods that extend the life of components subjected to cavitation, backed by three patented processes.
  • Early‑stage detection: The talk included modelling techniques for predicting the onset of damage, a crucial step for maintenance regimes in shipyards.

Relevance to Malta’s Industry Landscape

Malta’s economy heavily relies on maritime transport, offshore energy and specialty manufacturing. Cavitation erosion represents a significant maintenance challenge in:

  • Propeller and blade manufacturing.
  • High‑pressure pump systems for water desalination plants.
  • Acoustic systems in marine vehicles.

The research presented by Prof. Szkodo offers concrete pathways for local industries to reduce downtime and extend component life. By adopting laser‑based surface treatments or MAO coatings, companies can expect to see a measurable increase in cavitation resistance, translating into cost savings and higher reliability.

Opportunities for Students and Researchers

The University of Malta’s Faculty of Engineering is now positioned to offer specialised modules and supervised research projects centred on cavitation erosion:

  • Graduate research projects: PhD and Master’s candidates can investigate material selection, surface treatment optimisation, and predictive modelling.
  • Industry‑partner projects: Collaborations with shipping companies and pump manufacturers can provide real‑world datasets for benchmarking.
  • Erasmus+ mobility exchanges: Students can apply for short‑term placements in Polish universities or other partners specializing in advanced materials science.

To start, prospective students should contact the International Relations Office to learn about Erasmus+ application deadlines and eligibility criteria. The Office also hosts workshops on preparing project proposals and securing funding.

Getting Involved – Practical Steps

  1. Visit the Department of Metallurgy and Materials Engineering website and review the current research focus areas.
  2. Attend the monthly research seminar series to stay updated on emerging methods in cavitation studies.
  3. Apply for a Master’s project under Prof. Szkodo or a collaborator; contact the research coordinator for project details.
  4. Submit an Erasmus+ mobility application early; the deadline typically falls in the autumn for the following academic year.
  5. Stay connected with industry partners by attending annual maritime technology conferences held in Malta.

Future Collaboration Prospects

The seminar concluded with a formal discussion on potential joint research projects. Two areas identified for immediate action include:

  • Development of a shared database of cavitation test results for common materials used in the Mediterranean maritime sector.
  • Co‑authored publication on laser surface treatment efficacy, leveraging Prof. Szkodo’s patent portfolio.

Both initiatives have the potential to attract additional EU research funding under Horizon Europe, thus expanding the scope of Erasmus+ mobility beyond a single visit.

Take Action Now

Are you a student interested in cutting‑edge materials research? Your first step is to explore the University of Malta’s graduate programmes in Materials Science and Engineering.

Learn more about our Materials Science undergraduate programme and view our Masters degree offers. For those focusing on research, visit the research portal to discover open positions and ongoing projects.

Curious about Erasmus+ opportunities? Contact the International Relations Office today for guidance on application procedures. Don’t miss the chance to collaborate with world‑leading experts like Prof. Szkodo and contribute to advancements that benefit Malta’s maritime industry.

Questions? Email [email protected] or call +356 2340 2340 for more information about research collaborations, student exchanges, and industry partnership programs.

For additional reading, check out recent journal articles on cavitation erosion here.