Jacob Bortman | Engineering | Best Researcher Award

Published on by Academic Achievements

Prof. Jacob Bortman | Engineering | Best Researcher Award

Head of PHM Lab at Ben Gurion University, Israel

Jacob Bortman, a distinguished figure in mechanical engineering and aerospace technology, brings a wealth of expertise to his work. His career spans extensive research in advanced modeling techniques, computational mechanics, and vibration-based condition monitoring. With a focus on structural integrity and nonlinear analysis, Jacob has advanced the field through his application of the p-version of the finite element method, particularly in analyzing fastened structural connections. His contributions extend to materials science, where he explores the mechanical properties of engineering materials using rigorous finite element analysis. Jacob’s interdisciplinary approach integrates theory with practical applications, addressing complex challenges in aerospace engineering and beyond. Recognized for his teaching excellence and leadership, he continues to influence both academic research and practical innovations in mechanical engineering, leaving a lasting impact on the field.

Professional Profiles

Education

Jacob Bortman completed his B.Sc. in Mechanical Engineering at Tel Aviv University from 1978 to 1982, graduating Summa Cum Laude with a GPA of 92. He continued at Tel Aviv University for his M.Sc. in Mechanical Engineering from 1983 to 1984, with a thesis titled “Extended Weight Function Method Analysis of a Mixed Mode Fracture Specimen” under the supervision of Prof. Leslie Banks-Sills, achieving a GPA of 96.5 and Summa Cum Laude honors. He earned his D.Sc. in Mechanical Engineering at Washington University in St. Louis, MO, USA, from 1988 to 1991. His doctoral thesis, “Nonlinear Models for Fastened Structural Connection Based on the p-Version of the Finite Element Method,” was supervised by Prof. Barna Szabo. He graduated with an A+ GPA and was awarded Summa Cum Laude honors.

Professional Experience

Jacob Bortman brings a wealth of expertise and leadership from both military and academic realms. Serving in the Israeli Air Force (IAF) from 1981 to 2009, he retired as a Brigadier General, having held pivotal roles such as Head of Material Directorate and Head of Aircraft Department. His military career underscores his deep commitment to aerospace engineering and operational leadership. Since 2010, Jacob has been a Full Professor in the Department of Mechanical Engineering at Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva, Israel. His academic contributions are substantial, focusing on areas such as structural integrity, fatigue, and damage tolerance. He also holds editorial positions in prominent journals and has been involved in consulting for Israel Aerospace Industries and various tech startups. Throughout his career, Jacob Bortman has garnered accolades, including the Israeli National Defense Prize and the Prime Minister’s National Prize for Excellence in Public Service. His dedication to advancing mechanical engineering and aerospace technology is evident in his extensive professional achievements and leadership roles.

Research Interest

Jacob Bortman’s research interests encompass a broad spectrum of mechanical engineering disciplines, with a primary focus on structural integrity, fatigue, and damage tolerance. His work delves into advanced modeling techniques and nonlinear analysis methods for fastened structural connections, utilizing the p-version of the finite element method. Additionally, he explores vibration-based condition monitoring and its applications in engineering management. Jacob’s research extends into the realms of aerospace engineering, particularly in the development of innovative solutions for aircraft maintenance and structural reliability. He is deeply engaged in the study of computational mechanics, exploring its applications in enhancing the performance and longevity of mechanical systems. His multidisciplinary approach integrates theoretical insights with practical applications, aiming to advance the understanding and implementation of robust engineering practices. Through his research, Jacob Bortman contributes significantly to the fields of mechanical engineering and aerospace technology, addressing critical challenges in structural design, maintenance optimization, and materials science.

Award and Honors

Jacob Bortman has garnered numerous prestigious awards and honors throughout his illustrious career. In 2022, he was nominated for the Lifetime Achievement Award of the PHM Society, a testament to his profound contributions to Prognostics and Health Management. His leadership in a strategic program at Israel Aerospace Industries earned him the Israeli National Defense Prize in 2020, highlighting his pivotal role in advancing national defense technology. Recognized as an Outstanding Lecturer in 2016 at Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Jacob is celebrated for his excellence in teaching and mentorship. His distinguished service in the Israeli Air Force was honored with the Israeli Prime Minister’s National Prize for Excellence and Quality in Public Service in 1992, and he received a Special Note for Excellence in 1988 from the IAF. These accolades underscore Jacob Bortman’s exceptional achievements and lasting impact in mechanical engineering, aerospace technology, and beyond.

Research Skills

Jacob Bortman is highly skilled in advanced modeling techniques and computational mechanics, specializing in structural integrity and nonlinear analysis. His proficiency in the p-version of the finite element method has enabled him to conduct detailed analyses of fastened structural connections and mechanical behaviors. With a focus on aerospace engineering, Jacob’s expertise extends to vibration-based condition monitoring, essential for optimizing maintenance strategies and ensuring structural reliability. He has contributed significantly to materials science research, particularly in understanding the mechanical properties of engineering materials through finite element analysis. Jacob’s interdisciplinary approach integrates theoretical insights with practical applications, addressing complex engineering challenges with innovative solutions. His research not only enhances academic knowledge but also fosters advancements in practical engineering solutions, making a profound impact in the fields of mechanical engineering and aerospace technology.

Publications

  1. Title: A systematic literature review of deep learning for vibration-based fault diagnosis of critical rotating machinery: Limitations and challenges
    • Authors: Matania, O.; Dattner, I.; Bortman, J.; Kenett, R.S.; Parmet, Y.
    • Year: 2024
    • Journal: Journal of Sound and Vibration
  2. Title: Development of an Operational Digital Twin of a Freight Car Braking System for Fault Diagnosis
    • Authors: Davidyan, G.; Bortman, J.; Kenett, R.S.
    • Year: 2024
    • Journal: Advanced Theory and Simulations
  3. Title: A novel method for helical gear modeling with experimental validation
    • Authors: Cohen, R.; Bachar, L.; Matania, O.; Klein, R.; Bortman, J.
    • Year: 2024
    • Journal: Nonlinear Dynamics
  4. Title: Dynamic behavior of large faults toward severity estimation in bearings
    • Authors: Madar, E.; Sol, A.; Klein, R.; Bortman, J.
    • Year: 2024
    • Journal: Structural Health Monitoring
  5. Title: Signal Processing for the Condition-Based Maintenance of Rotating Machines via Vibration Analysis: A Tutorial
    • Authors: Matania, O.; Bachar, L.; Bechhoefer, E.; Bortman, J.
    • Year: 2024
    • Journal: Sensors
  6. Title: Digital Twin of a Gear Root Crack Prognosis
    • Authors: Matania, O.; Bechhoefer, E.; Bortman, J.
    • Year: 2023
    • Journal: Sensors
  7. Title: Development of an Operational Digital Twin of a Locomotive Parking Brake for Fault Diagnosis
    • Authors: Davidyan, G.; Bortman, J.; Kenett, R.S.
    • Year: 2023
    • Journal: Scientific Reports
    • Citations: 2
  8. Title: A novel hybrid physical AI-based strategy for fault severity estimation in spur gears with zero-shot learning
    • Authors: Bachar, L.; Matania, O.; Cohen, R.; Lipsett, M.G.; Bortman, J.
    • Year: 2023
    • Journal: Mechanical Systems and Signal Processing
    • Citations: 2
  9. Title: Predicting ductile failure of aluminum components under general loading conditions: Computational implementation, model verification and experimental validation
    • Authors: Rom, N.; Bortman, J.; Priel, E.
    • Year: 2023
    • Journal: International Journal of Solids and Structures
    • Citations: 3
  10. Title: Toward diagnostics of water-lubricated bearings of naval vessels by vibration analysis
    • Authors: Matania, O.; Heletz, S.; Klein, R.; Groper, M.; Bortman, J.
    • Year: 2023
    • Journal: Structural Health Monitoring
    • Citations: 1

 

Published on by Academic Achievements

Dr. Ahmad Mubarak - Engineering - Young Scientist Award

University of DUNDEE - Palestine

Professional Profiles

Google Scholar

Early Academic Pursuits

Ahmad Ghassan Fua’ad Mubarak's academic journey is rooted in a solid foundation in civil engineering, with a focus on earthquake geotechnical engineering. Born on September 6, 1992, in Nablus, Palestine, Mubarak demonstrated academic excellence early on, achieving a Tawjihi certificate in 2010 with an impressive rate of 94.00 (Excellent) from Qadre Touqan High School. This achievement set the stage for his future endeavors in higher education and research.

In 2010, Mubarak enrolled at An-Najah University in Nablus, where he pursued a Bachelor of Science degree in Civil Engineering. His academic performance was commendable, graduating in 2014 with a GPA of 3.20 out of 4.0, earning the distinction of "Very Good." His major in Civil Engineering, with a minor in Structural and Construction Engineering, provided him with a robust technical background essential for his future research and professional activities.

Professional Endeavors

Mubarak's professional career began with significant roles in the field of civil engineering, culminating in his current position as a Lead Structural Engineer at Sawaftah & Mubarak – Architects and Engineers in Palestine, starting in August 2023. In this role, Mubarak is responsible for modeling, analyzing, and designing structural systems, as well as preparing detailed structural drawings and design reports in compliance with municipal standards. His leadership extends to supervising junior engineers within the Engineering and Estimation department, ensuring the delivery of high-quality engineering solutions.

In addition to his engineering responsibilities, Mubarak has developed and presented two specialized engineering courses to his peers. These courses focus on equipping young engineers with the latest skills and knowledge in analyzing and designing deep foundations and applying seismic analyses to tall structures according to ASCE standards. His role as a private lecturer underscores his commitment to advancing the field through education and mentorship.

Contributions and Research Focus On Engineering

Mubarak's contributions to civil engineering are highlighted by his research focus on earthquake geotechnical engineering. His academic journey at the University of Dundee, Scotland, was particularly distinguished. He completed his Ph.D. in Civil Engineering in 2023 with a subspeciality in Earthquake Geotechnical Engineering, graduating with distinction. His doctoral thesis, titled "Numerical Simulation of Large Tunnel Systems under Seismic Loading Conditions: CERN Infrastructure as a Case Study," earned him the prestigious Angus Fulton Post Graduate Prize for the best research thesis submitted for a higher degree in Civil Engineering.

Prior to his Ph.D., Mubarak completed a Master of Science in Geotechnical Engineering and Soil Dynamics at the University of Dundee in 2018, also with distinction. His master's thesis, "Numerical Study of Seismic Structure-soil-structure Interaction (SSSI) between Adjacent Blocks of Structures," showcased his expertise in numerical simulations and seismic analysis, contributing valuable insights to the field of geotechnical engineering.

Accolades and Recognition In Engineering

Mubarak's academic and professional achievements have garnered significant recognition. The Angus Fulton Post Graduate Prize, awarded for his outstanding Ph.D. thesis, is a testament to his excellence in research and his contributions to the field of civil engineering. This accolade highlights his ability to conduct high-quality, impactful research that addresses critical challenges in earthquake geotechnical engineering.

Impact and Influence

Ahmad Mubarak's impact extends beyond his research contributions. His role as a Lead Structural Engineer and private lecturer has positioned him as a key figure in the local engineering community in Palestine. By developing and delivering specialized courses, he has played a crucial role in advancing the knowledge and skills of young engineers, fostering a culture of continuous learning and professional development.

His expertise in seismic analysis and deep foundations has also influenced the engineering practices within his consultancy, ensuring that projects are designed and executed to withstand seismic events, thereby enhancing the safety and resilience of infrastructure in seismic-prone areas.

Legacy and Future Contributions For Engineering

Ahmad Mubarak's legacy is characterized by his dedication to advancing the field of civil engineering through both research and practice. His contributions to earthquake geotechnical engineering and his commitment to education and mentorship have left a lasting impact on the engineering community.

Looking ahead, Mubarak is poised to continue his influential work in civil engineering. His ongoing professional activities and potential future research endeavors are expected to further enhance our understanding of seismic impacts on infrastructure and contribute to the development of innovative engineering solutions. As he continues to mentor young engineers and lead in the field, his legacy will be defined by a commitment to excellence, innovation, and the advancement of engineering knowledge.

Notable Publications

Influence of modelling approach for reinforced concrete underground structures, with application to the CMS cavern at CERN 2024

PRELIMINARY STUDY FOR SEISMIC ASSESSMENT OF THE UN-DERGROUND FACILITIES AT POINT 5 OF THE LARGE HADRON COLLIDER (LHC) AT CERN 2023

Numerical simulation of large tunnel systems under seismic loading conditions: CERN infrastructure as a case study 2023

Structure-soil-structure interaction in changing urban areas 2019