Noura Elsalamouny – Thermal-hydraulics – Best Researcher Award 

Noura Elsalamouny - Thermal-hydraulics - Best Researcher Award 

Lithuanian Energy Institute - Lithuania 

Professional Profiles

Early Academic Pursuits

Noura Elsalamouny embarked on her academic journey with a clear focus on nuclear engineering and thermal physics. Graduating with a Bachelor's degree in Nuclear Power Engineering from the esteemed Alexandria University in 2015, she demonstrated her early commitment to the field. Her graduation project, the Plasma Needle, showcased both her technical prowess and her innovative thinking. This project, aimed at developing a medical application for treating diabetic feet, underscored her interdisciplinary approach, integrating engineering principles with medical applications. Through her work on the Plasma Needle, she exhibited a deep understanding of COMSOL Multiphysics, a powerful simulation software, and successfully applied it to model non-thermal plasma behavior within the human body.

Moreover, her specialization in Nuclear Security and Sustainability during her undergraduate studies highlighted her broader awareness of the socio-political implications of nuclear technology. By delving into the importance of nuclear security and its sustainability, she exhibited not only her academic acumen but also her recognition of the broader context within which nuclear engineering operates.

Professional Endeavors

Noura's professional journey has been marked by diverse experiences across different sectors of the nuclear industry. Following her Bachelor's degree, she transitioned to a research engineer role at the National University for Nuclear Research (MEPHI) in Moscow, Russia. Here, she focused on the development of control system models for the Ventilation System Regulator in VVER-1000 nuclear power plants. Her work involved the utilization of advanced simulation tools like MATLAB and MWBridge, demonstrating her proficiency in applying computational methods to solve complex engineering problems.

Subsequently, she expanded her horizons by pursuing a Master's degree in Nuclear Engineering and Thermal Physics at the National University for Nuclear Research (MEPHI). Her master's thesis, which centered on the study and development of the UM45S05 Regulator for VVER-1000 NPP's ventilation system, further showcased her expertise in control systems and her ability to innovate within the nuclear domain. Her research not only contributed to enhancing the performance of nuclear power plant systems but also demonstrated her capacity for independent inquiry and problem-solving.

Contributions and Research Focus On Thermal-hydraulics

Throughout her academic and professional endeavors, Noura's primary research focus has been on advancing safety and efficiency within nuclear power generation. Her work on control system development and optimization reflects her dedication to enhancing the operational reliability of nuclear power plants. By employing simulation programs and automatic control codes, she has contributed to refining the performance of critical components such as the Ventilation System Regulator in VVER-1000 reactors. Additionally, her Ph.D. candidacy in Energetics and Power Engineering underscores her commitment to pushing the boundaries of knowledge in severe accident analysis, a vital aspect of nuclear safety.

Accolades and Recognition

Noura's academic excellence and research contributions have earned her recognition and accolades throughout her career. Her Master's thesis received high praise for its thorough investigation of the UM45S05 Regulator, earning her a grade of Excellent. Furthermore, her research at the Lithuanian Energy Institute and her role as a research assistant underscore her reputation as a skilled and dedicated professional within the nuclear engineering community.

Impact and Influence

Noura's work extends beyond the confines of academia, with her contributions poised to make a tangible impact on the nuclear industry. By developing advanced control systems and conducting research into severe accident analysis, she is actively shaping the future of nuclear safety and operational efficiency. Her expertise in these critical areas positions her as a thought leader within the field, with the potential to influence industry practices and regulatory standards.

Legacy and Future Contributions

Looking ahead, Noura Elsalamouny's legacy in the field of nuclear engineering is poised to be one of innovation and safety. Through her continued research efforts and contributions to academia and industry alike, she is laying the groundwork for a more secure and sustainable nuclear energy landscape. Whether through her Ph.D. candidacy or her ongoing professional endeavors, Noura remains dedicated to advancing the frontiers of knowledge and driving positive change within the nuclear sector.

Notable Publications

Hamed Bahmanabadi – Fatigue – Best Researcher Award

Hamed Bahmanabadi - Fatigue - Best Researcher Award

Semnan University - Iran 

Professional Profiles

Early Academic Pursuits

Hamed Bahmanabadi embarked on his academic journey at Semnan University, Iran, where he pursued his Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering from 2012 to 2017. His dedication and scholarly pursuits were evident early on, culminating in the 1st Ranked Bachelor Thesis in the Top Thesis Festival of the 2nd National Congress of Internal Combats. Under the guidance of Dr. Mohammad Azadi, Hamed delved into the intricacies of Continuum Damage Mechanics, focusing on the evaluation of this theory in the context of Inconel 713C Nickel-based Superalloy under force-controlled creep loading.

Professional Endeavors

Building upon his undergraduate success, Hamed continued his academic journey at Semnan University, where he earned his Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering from 2017 to 2020. His Master's thesis, titled "Experimental and Numerical Study on Low-cycle Fatigue Behavior of Aluminum Metal Matrix Nanocomposite at Different Temperatures," demonstrated a profound understanding of mechanical behaviors in complex materials. During this period, he also served as a Visiting Researcher at the Chair of Mechanical Engineering at Montanuniversität Leoben, Austria. Under the supervision of Dr. Mohammad Azadi, Prof. Florian Grün, and Dr. Gerhard Winter, Hamed focused on LCF Testing on Aluminum Metal-matrix Nano-composites, showcasing his commitment to international collaboration and research excellence.

Contributions and Research Focus

Hamed Bahmanabadi's research contributions span a diverse range of topics within the field of Mechanical Engineering. His expertise includes HCF, LCF, TMF, Mechanics of Materials, Coating, Materials Characterization, Additive Manufacturing, Mechanical Properties, Corrosion, and Metallurgical Investigation. His noteworthy publications, such as "A comparison between hysteresis stress-strain loops of aluminum alloys and heat-treated nano-composites under thermo-mechanical fatigue loadings," and "Impacts of nano-clay particles and heat-treating on out-of-phase thermo-mechanical fatigue characteristics in piston aluminum-silicon alloys," reflect his commitment to advancing the understanding of materials behavior under various conditions.

Accolades and Recognition

Hamed's academic prowess and research excellence have not gone unnoticed. His Master's thesis received high acclaim, earning him a remarkable score of 19.42 out of 20. Moreover, his Bachelor's thesis secured the top rank in a national competition, showcasing his early promise as a researcher. The numerous peer-reviewed articles authored by Hamed have been published in reputable journals, further solidifying his standing in the academic community.

Impact and Influence

Hamed Bahmanabadi's research has made a significant impact on the field of Mechanical Engineering, particularly in the areas of fatigue behavior, materials characterization, and the application of advanced composites. His work, including the investigation of nano-clay particles' effects on the mechanical properties of piston aluminum-silicon alloys, has practical implications for industries reliant on such materials.

Legacy and Future Contributions

As a burgeoning researcher, Hamed Bahmanabadi's legacy lies in his commitment to rigorous scientific inquiry and international collaboration. His work at Montanuniversität Leoben demonstrates a global perspective, and his diverse research interests signal a readiness to tackle complex challenges. In the future, Hamed is poised to make further contributions to the understanding of material behaviors, with potential applications in industries ranging from aerospace to automotive engineering.

Notable Publications

Modeling of Fatigue Behavior in Pre-corroded AZ31 Magnesium Alloy 2023-12

A comparison between hysteresis stress-strain loops of aluminum alloys and heat-treated nano-composites under thermo-mechanical fatigue loadings 2023-12-26

Impacts of nano-clay particles and heat-treating on out-of-phase thermo-mechanical fatigue characteristics in piston aluminum-silicon alloys 2023-06-22

Cyclic hardening/softening experimental data in nano-clay-composite and aluminum alloy under high-temperature strain-controlled loading 2022

Sensitivity Analysis of Solutioning Time, Ageing Temperature, and Clay Nano-Particles Addition on Hardness of Piston Aluminum-Silicon Alloy using Regression Method 2022-12

Experimental study on thermal expansion coefficient of light aluminum and magnesium alloys by comparing results of dilatometry and zero-force test 2021