University
Community
International Students
Studies
Research and Innovation
For Business
Faculties
Back

New doctoral dissertation

April 13, 2026

VILNIUS TECH Library invites you to follow the published new dissertations. The dissertation „Development and Investigation of Nanometric-Resolution Piezoelectric Systems for Nanosatellites Operating under Varying Environmental Temperature Conditions“ prepared at VILNIUS TECH by Laurynas Šišovas. The doctoral dissertation was prepared at Vilnius Gediminas Technical University in 2021–2025. Supervisor – Assoc. Prof. Dr Sergejus Borodinas, consultant – Assoc. Prof. Dr Andrius Čeponis.

The dissertation was defended at the public meeting of the Dissertation Defence Council of the Scientific Field of Mechanical Engineering in the Aula Doctoralis Meeting Hall of Vilnius Gediminas Technical University at 10 a.m. on 13 April 2026.

The dissertation investigates the application of piezoelectric actuators in nanosatellites. The research object is piezoelectric actuation systems operating at nanometre-level precision under temperature variations, vibrations, and other conditions typical of nanosatellites. The main objective of the dissertation is to develop a nanometre-resolution piezoelectric inertial rotary actuator intended for nanosatellite subsystems and to study it numerically and experimentally. The study aims to evaluate the influence of temperature on the actuator’s electromechanical characteristics and its response to dynamic loads. To achieve the study’s aim, a set of consecutive tasks is carried out: a literature review is performed to identify the operating principles of piezoelectric systems and their applicability in space missions; a numerical model of the Low Earth Orbit thermal environment is developed to assess how electromechanical characteristics depend on nanosatellite temperature profiles; based on these results, a numerical model of a nanometre-resolution piezoelectric rotary actuator is created and its characteristics are determined; and finally, experimental investigations are conducted to evaluate the electromechanical characteristics of the developed prototype under temperature conditions typical for nanosatellites. The dissertation consists of an introduction, four chapters, general conclusions, and lists of the referenced literature and the author’s publications on the dissertation topic. The Introduction discusses the research problem, the relevance of the work, and the research object. It formulates the aim and tasks, describes the research methodology, presents the scientific novelty and practical value of the results, and states the defended propositions. The First Chapter provides a literature analysis related to nanometre-resolution piezoelectric systems and their applications in space missions. The chapter concludes with a summary and refinement of the dissertation objectives. The Second Chapter describes the design of the nanometre-resolution piezoelectric rotary actuator intended for nanosatellites, including its structural composition and the interrelationships among its components. The Third and Fourth Chapters present the numerical and experimental results of piezoelectric transducer investigations, followed by their analysis and generalisation. Three scientific articles have been published on the dissertation topic: two in journals indexed in the Clarivate Analytics Web of Science database and one in conference proceedings, also indexed in the database. A patent related to the dissertation topic has been registered at the Lithuanian Patent Office. Six conference presentations related to the dissertation were delivered in Lithuania and abroad.

Doctoral dissertation readers can search via VILNIUS TECH Virtual Library.

Related news

Dominykas Stonkus, who chose to study aviation: “You don’t have to dream of the skies from childhood”
Dominykas Stonkus, who chose to study aviation: “You don’t have to dream of the skies from childhood”
VILNIUS TECH Dominykas Stonkus, a third-year student in the Aircraft Pilot Training program at the Antanas Gustaičio Aviation Institute (AGAI), entered the aviation field not because of a childhood dream, but after making a spontaneous decision. Today, the young man is already logging his first flight hours and preparing for the next steps in his career as a pilot, and his story shows that the path to the skies can begin quite unexpectedly. In his junior and senior years of high school, not yet knowing which path to choose, Dominykas initially considered flight operations. However, one summer evening changed his mind. „I thought—maybe flying would be even more interesting. I told my mom, and she, though a little worried, encouraged me to give it a try,“ he says. After successfully passing the entrance exams, the young man was admitted to the pilot training program. According to him, the fact that the program is free of charge also solidified his decision. Preparing for his first „solo“ flights According to the student, daily life depends on the season. During the academic year, the focus is mainly on theory, while practical flights take place in the summer. „Since I’m a junior, we’ve had one training season so far, but this year an even more intense period awaits—both flights and exam preparation,“ says Dominykas. During the internship, students not only learn to fly the aircraft but also prepare for the flight: they check the plane, plan the route, and perform all necessary procedures. One of the most important stages is the first solo flight, when the young pilot takes to the skies alone. Although it is often believed that pilot training is all about math and physics, but Dominykas debunks this myth. „These subjects are important, but a good memory and the ability to understand many different systems are just as essential. It all comes down to motivation and hard work,“ he says. The student himself admits that he enjoyed the math modules the most, followed by navigation and aircraft systems, even though these subjects required a lot of effort. In addition to his studies, Dominykas is actively pursuing success in a completely different field—professional tennis. Recently, playing doubles with Lithuanian tennis player Edu Butvilas, he won an international tournament in Spain and entered the ATP doubles rankings, the global classification of professional tennis players. The young man’s experience shows that even intensive studies at AGAI can be combined with high-level sports. Dominykas plans to finish his studies soon and obtain his mandatory pilot licenses. Although he speaks cautiously about the distant future, one thing is clear — the path he has chosen opens up many opportunities both in piloting and in the broader field of aviation.
More
Newly received publications
Newly received publications
Every month, the VILNIUS TECH Library enriches its collections with new publications for studies, research, and leisure reading. Explore the newly added items and order them through the BUS (Library – University – Student) electronic services platform >>> Want to be the first to know which books have just arrived? Subscribe to our newsletter and receive updates directly to your inbox >>> If you can’t find the book you need, we invite you to submit your suggestions by filling out the „Book Order Form“ >>> Your recommendations help the library better meet the needs of our community!
More