Fırat Mehmet Günkan is a mechanical engineering academic specializing in tribology, high-pressure flow control and cold gas propulsion, contributing extensively to both research and education in the field. With a PhD focused on the design and validation of a cold thrust system for space applications, supported by an MSc in Mechanical Design and dual bachelor’s degrees in engineering and technical design, he has built a strong multidisciplinary foundation. Over more than a decade of academic experience, his teaching portfolio has included engineering drawing, CAD/CAM and design-oriented courses, complemented by active involvement in research projects on motorized pneumatic needle valves, dynamic torque sensors, six-axis load cells and advanced combustion engine mechanisms. His scholarly output includes 1 peer-reviewed journal articles, international conference papers and a published patent, reflecting continuous engagement in applied mechanical research. His research interests span tribology, supersonic flow, cold gas thrusters, vertical-landing demonstrators, proportional valve design and precision measurement systems. With regular contributions to international tribology forums and national aerospace initiatives, he continues to advance impactful developments in mechanical design, experimentation and propulsion technologies.
Featured Publications
Günkan, F. M., Sümer, B., & Koç, İ. M. (2025). Reducing drive torque in needle valves through tip material selection with a tribological approach. Tribology International, 209.
Günkan, F. M., Doğru, B., Baykara, C., Kutlar, O. A., & Arslan, H. (2013). Design and dynamic analysis of a novel valve control mechanism. Machines Technologies Materials, 5, 12–15.
Günkan, F. M., Sümer, B., & Koç, İ. M. (2025). Lowering rotational friction of a servo needle valve via driving with smart control strategies. Proceedings of the 50th Leeds-Lyon Symposium on Tribology.
Aşkın, G. Ş., Gökçeli, S., Sümer, B., Ergün, O., Koç, İ. M., & Günkan, F. M. (2025). Frictional behaviour and lubricant effects on polymer-based thin-film electrode arrays for cochlear implants. Proceedings of the 50th Leeds-Lyon Symposium on Tribology.
Üngör, M., Baykara, C., Kutlar, O. A., Günkan, F. M., & Cihan, Ö. (2018). Adaptation of a cycle-skipping strategy to a Wankel engine. Proceedings of the 9th Automotive Technologies Congress.