Mohammad Silani | Engineering | Editorial Board Member

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Assoc Prof Dr. Mohammad Silani | Engineering | Editorial Board Member

Isfahan University of Technology | Iran

Dr. Mohammad Silani is an accomplished Associate Professor in the Department of Mechanical Engineering at Isfahan University of Technology (IUT), Iran, where he currently serves as the Head of International Scientific Cooperation. His academic career reflects a continuous trajectory of excellence in multiscale modeling, computational mechanics, and advanced materials research. Since joining IUT as an Assistant Professor in 2015, Dr. Silani has made significant contributions in micromechanics, multiscale simulation, fracture mechanics, and computational materials science. From 2022 to 2023, he was awarded the prestigious MSCA Seal of Excellence Fellowship at the Free University of Bozen-Bolzano, Italy, where he advanced adaptive concurrent multiscale methods for wear modeling and developed coarse-grained molecular dynamics tools for fatigue crack propagation. His international research engagements also include visiting fellowships at the University of New South Wales in Australia, Qatar University, the National University of Singapore, and multiple research positions at Bauhaus University Weimar, Germany, where he contributed to the development of open-source multiscale finite element codes and advanced modeling techniques for nanocomposites. Dr. Silani earned all three of his degrees—B.Sc., M.Sc., and Ph.D.—from IUT, specializing in solid mechanics, fracture mechanics, vibrations, FEM, and multiscale analysis. He possesses strong programming expertise in Python, Fortran, MATLAB, and Abaqus scripting and has advanced proficiency in leading finite element software including Abaqus, ANSYS, and LS-DYNA. His research achievements include more than 2,400 citations with an H-index of 20, reflecting his impactful contributions to computational mechanics, phase-field modeling, stochastic analysis, XFEM, SBFEM, and machine-learning-assisted material design. He has supervised over 70 postgraduate students, taught a wide range of undergraduate and graduate courses, and reviewed for leading journals such as Materials & Design, International Journal of Fatigue, Composite Structures, and Scientific Reports. His extensive publication record includes high-impact works in Advanced Materials, International Journal of Fracture, Computational Mechanics, Nanotechnology, Acta Mechanica Sinica, and Journal of Mechanical Behavior of Biomedical Materials. Dr. Silani’s honors include the Distinguished Young Professor Award from Iran’s National Elites Foundation (2022, 2023), multiple national science grants, a DAAD Research Grant, and project funding from the German Research Foundation (DFG). His current research spans phase-field modeling of nanowires, fracture and wear simulations, machine learning for materials design, nano- and micro-scale damage analysis, bone tissue mechanics, and Industry 4.0-based mechanical monitoring. Dr. Silani maintains active collaborations with leading researchers worldwide, reinforcing his position as a distinguished scholar in computational mechanics and multiscale material modeling.

Profile: Google Scholar

Featured Publications

A computational library for multiscale modeling of material failure
Talebi, H., Silani, M., Bordas, S. P. A., Kerfriden, P., & Rabczuk, T. (2014). A computational library for multiscale modeling of material failure. Computational Mechanics, 53(5), 1047–1071.

Stochastic analysis of the fracture toughness of polymeric nanoparticle composites using polynomial chaos expansions
Hamdia, K. M., Silani, M., Zhuang, X., He, P., & Rabczuk, T. (2017). Stochastic analysis of the fracture toughness of polymeric nanoparticle composites using polynomial chaos expansions. International Journal of Fracture, 206(2), 215–227.

First-principles multiscale modeling of mechanical properties in graphene/borophene heterostructures empowered by machine-learning interatomic potentials
Mortazavi, B., Silani, M., Podryabinkin, E. V., Rabczuk, T., Zhuang, X., & Shapeev, A. V. (2021). First-principles multiscale modeling of mechanical properties in graphene/borophene heterostructures empowered by machine-learning interatomic potentials. Advanced Materials, 33(35), 2102807.

Mujahid Aziz | Engineering | Best Researcher Award

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Prof. Mujahid Aziz | Engineering | Best Researcher Award

Cape Peninsula University of Technology | South Africa

Professor Mujahid Aziz is a distinguished academic and research leader serving as the Assistant Dean: Learning & Teaching in the Faculty of Engineering and the Built Environment (FEBE) at the Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT) in South Africa. In this leadership role, he oversees and enhances academic excellence across eight departments within the faculty, which collectively serve nearly 10,000 students, including a growing cohort of postgraduate scholars. As a champion of academic transformation, Prof. Aziz is deeply committed to promoting innovative teaching practices, curriculum modernization, and student-centered learning within engineering education. His leadership is instrumental in aligning the faculty’s academic strategies with industry relevance, sustainability goals, and the national development agenda. With over 23 years of experience as an Associate Professor of Chemical Engineering, Prof. Aziz has established himself as a transformative educator, researcher, and mentor. His academic journey reflects a sustained dedication to advancing both the theoretical and practical dimensions of environmental and chemical engineering. Throughout his career, he has supervised numerous postgraduate students and contributed to the development of engineering curricula that integrate sustainability, innovation, and applied research. His pedagogical philosophy emphasizes experiential learning and the development of problem-solving skills essential for addressing real-world engineering challenges, particularly in water and environmental systems. As the Principal Investigator of the Environmental Engineering Research Group (EERG), Prof. Aziz leads multidisciplinary research focused on sustainable water and wastewater treatment technologies. His work is internationally recognized, with publications in high-impact journals such as Desalination, MDPI Membranes, MDPI Water, and Environmental Processes. Recent research endeavors have explored cutting-edge methods for biofouling mitigation in polyamide thin-film composite reverse osmosis membranes, particularly through polymer grafting and nanoparticle coating. These innovations are pivotal for improving the treatment of municipal bioreactor secondary effluent and enhancing the efficiency and longevity of membrane systems used in desalination and wastewater reuse. Prof. Aziz’s research portfolio is characterized by a strong interdisciplinary approach that bridges materials science, chemical process design, and environmental sustainability. His areas of specialization encompass membrane technology, wastewater reuse, electrochemical and adsorption processes, brine management, and zero liquid discharge (ZLD) systems. His work addresses critical environmental challenges associated with water scarcity and industrial pollution, offering viable pathways for circular water economies and resource recovery. His pursuit of innovation in micropollutant removal, membrane fouling control, and electro-oxidation for water reuse reflects his vision of achieving sustainable and intelligent environmental engineering solutions. Through his academic leadership, pioneering research, and commitment to mentorship, Prof. Mujahid Aziz continues to make a profound impact on the future of engineering education and sustainable water technology development in South Africa and beyond.

Profiles: Orcid | Google Scholar

Featured Publications

Aziz, M., & Ojumu, T. (2020). Exclusion of estrogenic and androgenic steroid hormones from municipal membrane bioreactor wastewater using UF/NF/RO membranes for water reuse application. Membranes, 10(3), 37. https://doi.org/10.3390/membranes10030037

Aziz, M., & Kasongo, G. (2021). The removal of selected inorganics from municipal membrane bioreactor wastewater using UF/NF/RO membranes for water reuse application: A pilot-scale study. Membranes, 11(2), 1–14. https://doi.org/10.3390/membranes11020104

Myburgh, D. P., Aziz, M., Roman, F., Jardim, J., & Chakawa, S. (2019). Removal of COD from industrial biodiesel wastewater using an integrated process: Electrochemical oxidation with IrO₂–Ta₂O₅/Ti anodes and chitosan powder. Environmental Processes, 6(4), 819–840. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40710-019-00393-5

Kasongo, G., Steenberg, C., Morris, B., Kapenda, G., Jacobs, N., & Aziz, M. (2019). Surface grafting of polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) cross-linked with glutaraldehyde (GA) to improve resistance to fouling of aromatic polyamide thin film composite reverse osmosis membranes. Water Practice & Technology, 14(3), 614–624. https://doi.org/10.2166/wpt.2019.042

Chakawa, S., & Aziz, M. (2021). Investigating the result of current density, temperature, and electrolyte concentration on COD subtraction of petroleum refinery wastewater using response surface methodology. Water, 13(6), 835. https://doi.org/10.3390/w13060835

Aziz, M., & Kasongo, G. (2019). Scaling prevention of thin film composite polyamide reverse osmosis membranes by Zn ions. Desalination, 464, 76–83. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.desal.2019.04.006

Xinyang Yao | Engineering | Best Researcher Award | 13214

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Mr. Xinyang Yao | Engineering | Best Researcher Award 

Mr. Xinyang Yao, Xinjiang Key Laboratory for Geodynamic Processes and Metallogenic Prognosis of the Central Asian Orogenic Belt, China

Mr. Xinyang Yao is affiliated with the Xinjiang Key Laboratory for Geodynamic Processes and Metallogenic Prognosis of the Central Asian Orogenic Belt in China. His work focuses on studying geodynamic processes and metallogenic mechanisms in the Central Asian Orogenic Belt, contributing to advancements in mineral resource exploration and understanding of tectonic evolution in the region.

Profile

Orcid

🎓 Early Academic Pursuits

Xinyang Yao’s academic journey began with a profound interest in geological resources and engineering. As a postgraduate student specializing in Geological Resources and Geological Engineering, Xinyang developed a strong theoretical foundation and analytical skills essential for tackling complex geological challenges. This passion for understanding Earth’s processes led to a focused interest in Underground Coal Gasification (UCG)—a field with immense potential for energy sustainability.

Xinyang’s early education emphasized both theoretical and practical aspects of geology, fostering a deep curiosity about unconventional resource development and the technological innovations required to unlock its potential.

💼 Professional Endeavors

Xinyang’s professional experience highlights a pivotal collaboration with PetroChina Xinjiang Oilfield Company, where the focus was on advancing research in underground coal gasification. Serving as a key contributor, Xinyang played an instrumental role in conducting numerical simulations to enhance understanding of UCG processes. This work emphasized safety and efficiency, addressing challenges in fracture propagation and stress concentration—key factors for designing practical and sustainable UCG systems.

Through rigorous research, Xinyang has demonstrated a commitment to developing innovative solutions that align with industry needs, ensuring that geological expertise translates into real-world applications.

🔬 Contributions and Research Focus

Xinyang’s research has made significant contributions to the field of underground coal gasification. Aimed at enhancing operational safety and efficiency, the work includes:

  • Controlling Temperature Fields: Developing methods to predict and regulate temperature zones during UCG projects to prevent operational hazards.
  • Induced Fracture Analysis: Investigating the propagation height of fractures and understanding displacement characteristics of overlying strata.
  • Designing Optimal UCG Schemes: Using research findings to propose more effective strategies for gasification, incorporating considerations for fracture behavior and stress distribution.

These innovations underscore Xinyang’s dedication to advancing unconventional resource technologies and promoting sustainable energy solutions.

🏆 Accolades and Recognition

Despite being at an early stage in the academic journey, Xinyang has achieved notable recognition. The successful collaboration with PetroChina Xinjiang Oilfield Company and publication of a research paper in an SCI-indexed journal reflect Xinyang’s academic rigor and industry relevance. The research, accessible through DOI link, highlights a commitment to addressing global energy challenges through impactful scientific contributions.

🌍 Impact and Influence

Xinyang’s research has implications that extend beyond academia to influence industry practices in energy resource management. By addressing critical aspects such as fracture propagation and stress concentration, Xinyang’s work offers:

  • Improved Safety: Enhancing the predictability and control of risks in UCG operations.
  • Increased Efficiency: Providing frameworks for optimizing resource extraction while minimizing environmental impact.
  • Sustainability: Contributing to cleaner and safer methods of utilizing underground coal resources, reducing dependency on conventional extraction techniques.

Through this work, Xinyang has demonstrated a capacity to influence both research and practical implementation in the field of geological engineering.

🌟 Legacy and Future Contributions

Xinyang aspires to leave a lasting impact on the field of underground coal gasification and unconventional resource development. Future research endeavors are focused on:

  • Expanding Technological Innovations: Exploring new methods for controlling gasification processes and mitigating environmental risks.
  • Collaborative Research: Strengthening partnerships with industry leaders and academic institutions to accelerate advancements in geological engineering.
  • Mentorship and Knowledge Sharing: Contributing to the development of young researchers and professionals in the field, ensuring the transfer of knowledge and expertise to future generations.

Publication Top Notes

Numerical simulations of fracture propagation in overlying strata for deep underground coal gasification using controlled retraction injection point technology

Contributors: Xinyang Yao; Xin Li; Bo Wei; Jijun Tian; Shuguang Yang; Yiwen Ju
Journal: Energy
Year: 2025