François Berkmans thesis defense (mechanical engineering department)
I have the great pleasure of inviting you to the defense of my doctoral thesis in cotutelle between Valenciennes and Poznan (Poland) dealing with the following disciplines:
- Mechanics of solids, materials, structures and surfaces (UPHF)
- Mechanical Engineering (Poznan)
- History and civilizations: history and archaeology of ancient and medieval worlds, art (UPHF)
-
Le 02/12/2025
-
10:00 - 12:00
-
Defense
-
Mont Houy Campus
CISIT Building
Thierry Tison Amphitheatre
Title
Surface Topography and Multiscale Complexity: A Study of Industrial Materials to Works of Art
Summary
This doctoral thesis proposes a methodological paradigm shift in the field of surface metrology, by challenging the dominant binary framework that focuses primarily on the influence of surface modification processes or the optimization of certain surface functionalities.
The proposed framework, conceptualized as a Surface Information Acquisition Spectrum, repositions surface analysis in a broader epistemological and interdisciplinary perspective, going beyond the strict confines of industrial applications.
Each chapter contributes to the development of this novel framework:
- chapter 1 establishes a standardized terminology system for describing surfaces, inspired by heraldic conventions;
- chapter 2 quantifies the multi-scale graphic and textual complexity of heraldic systems through ad hoc mathematical models;
- chapter 3 addresses numerical discretization artifacts in fractal geometries, taking the Von Koch flake as a case study;
- Chapter 4 introduces a new method for fractal characterization of sandblasted surfaces using the roughness parameter Sdr and a Gaussian filter;
- finally, chapter 5 extends this methodology to the topographical analysis of art objects.
By integrating conceptual fields such as language theory, image syntax, fractal complexity and surface evaluation, this research lays the foundations for a transdisciplinary reconfiguration of surface metrology and paves the way for the emergence of new subfields in this discipline.
Composition of the Jury
Reporters
- Mr Rosén, Bendt-Göran. Professor, Halmstad University, Halmstad, Sweden
- Mrs. Marteau, Julie. Maître de conférences (HDR). Université Technologique de Compiègne, Compiègne, France
- Pawlus, Pawel, Professor, Rzeszów University of Technology, Rzeszów, Poland
Examiners
- Mrs. Królczyk, Jolanta. Professor. Opole University of Technology, Opole, Poland
- Mr. Borel, Anthony. Maitre de conférences (HDR), Muséum National d'Histoire Naturelle UMR 7194 CNRS, Paris, France
- Mr Huftier, Arnaud, University Vice-President and University Professor. Université Polytechnique Hauts-de-France, Valenciennes, France
Guests
- Mr. Nys, Ludovic. Professor. LARSH, Université Polytechnique Hauts-de-France, Valenciennes, France
- Mr Bartkowiak, Tomasz. Senior lecturer (HDR). Poznan University of Technology, Poznan, Poland
- Mr Gapiński, Bartosz. Senior lecturer (HDR). Poznan University of Technology, Poznan, Poland
- Mrs. Danuta Matykiewicz. Senior Lecturer (HDR). Poznan University of Technology, Poznan, Poland
Thesis co-supervisors
- Mr. Wieczorowski, Michał. Professor. Poznan University of Technology, Poznan, Poland
- Mr. Bigerelle, Maxence. Professor. LAMIH UMR CNRS 8201, Université Polytechnique Hauts-de-France, Valenciennes, France
Keywords
Surface topography, roughness, terminology, ontology, multiscale analysis, heritage, heraldry, fractals, complexity, art, painting