Mohammad Silani | Engineering | Editorial Board Member

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.

Adnan Abu-Mahfouz | Engineering | Best Researcher Award

Prof. Adnan Abu-Mahfouz, Engineering, Best Researcher Award

Professor at Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), South Africa

Prof. Abu-Mahfouz is a distinguished researcher and academic in computer engineering. He holds a PhD and MEng from the University of Pretoria, South Africa, and a BSc in Information Engineering from the University of Baghdad, Iraq. Currently, he is the Centre Manager for Emerging Digital Technologies at CSIR NextGen Enterprises and Institutions and holds professorial roles at the University of Pretoria, Tshwane University of Technology, and the University of Johannesburg. Prof. Abu-Mahfouz excels in industrial-based R&D, particularly in the Internet of Things (IoT) and smart systems. He has secured over USD 4.5 million in research funding and has published extensively, with 139 journal articles and 136 conference papers. His work has earned him numerous awards, and his high H-index scores reflect his impactful research. Additionally, he has mentored over 70 postgraduate and postdoctoral researchers, contributing significantly to the academic and scientific community.

Professional Profiles:

Education

Prof. Abu-Mahfouz has an extensive and distinguished educational background in computer engineering. He earned his PhD in Computer Engineering from the University of Pretoria, South Africa, from 2007 to 2011. Prior to that, he completed his MEng in Computer Engineering, also at the University of Pretoria, from 2003 to 2005, graduating Cum Laude. His foundational education in engineering began with a BSc in Information Engineering from the University of Baghdad, Iraq, where he graduated in 2000 with an impressive 84.18%, earning the “First” rank in his class. Throughout his academic journey, Prof. Abu-Mahfouz has demonstrated consistent excellence, receiving numerous accolades such as Academic Honorary Colours from the Student Representative Council at the University of Pretoria for both his PhD and MEng degrees. His educational achievements have laid a strong foundation for his prolific research and professional career.

Professional Experience

Prof. Abu-Mahfouz is currently the Centre Manager for the CSIR NextGen Enterprises and Institutions (EDT4IR) since July 2020 and holds multiple professorial positions. He is an Extraordinary Professor at the University of Pretoria, a Professor Extraordinaire at Tshwane University of Technology, and a Visiting Professor at the University of Johannesburg. His previous roles include Principal Research Engineer and Senior Research Engineer at CSIR, and Chair of the Water Resource Management Network at the City of Tshwane. His early career includes positions as a Software Engineer, Network Administrator, and Faculty Coordinator at the Emirates College of Technology.

Research Interest

Professor Adnan Abu-Mahfouz’s research interests encompass a broad spectrum of topics in computer engineering and technology. His primary focus is on the Internet of Things (IoT), where he explores the design, implementation, and application of IoT systems, with a particular interest in smart infrastructure and smart cities. He is also deeply invested in network security, investigating methods to enhance the security and reliability of network systems, including cybersecurity measures and protocols. Additionally, he studies the development and optimization of wireless sensor networks (WSNs), which are crucial for monitoring and data collection in various environments. His work in cyber-physical systems (CPS) involves integrating physical processes with networked digital systems to ensure seamless interaction between the physical and virtual worlds. Prof. Abu-Mahfouz is also focused on industrial informatics, applying advanced informatics techniques to improve efficiency, productivity, and automation in industrial systems. Furthermore, he leverages artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) algorithms to enhance the functionalities of technological systems, particularly in IoT and CPS. His interest in smart water management involves developing innovative solutions for water resource management using advanced technologies and smart systems. Lastly, he utilizes data analytics to extract meaningful insights from large datasets, particularly in the context of IoT and smart systems, addressing real-world challenges and promoting sustainable development through his research.

Award and Honors

Prof. Abu-Mahfouz has received numerous awards and honors in recognition of his contributions to research, innovation, and academic excellence. Among these accolades, he was awarded the “Career Growth CSIR Excellence Award” and the “Outstanding Contribution by a Team – Electronic Monitoring Team – Excellence Award” by the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research in 2022. He also received the “Outstanding Associate Editor of 2018” award from the IEEE Access Journal. His research excellence earned him the “Established Researcher CSIR Excellence Award” in 2018 and the “Emerging Leader Excellence Award” in 2015 from CSIR’s Meraka Institute. Furthermore, Prof. Abu-Mahfouz has been recognized by the University of Pretoria for his academic achievements, being listed in the top 15% of academic achievers and invited to join the Golden Key International Honour Society. These awards highlight his leadership, significant research contributions, and dedication to advancing science and technology.

Research Skills

Prof. Abu-Mahfouz possesses exceptional research skills that have significantly advanced his field. He has a proven track record in developing and implementing robust research and development (R&D) strategies, particularly in emerging digital technologies and the Internet of Things (IoT). His expertise in formulating large, multidisciplinary R&D proposals has secured over USD 4.5 million in funding, demonstrating his ability to attract substantial investment and drive impactful research projects. Prof. Abu-Mahfouz’s research skills are evidenced by his extensive publication record, which includes 139 journal articles, 136 conference papers, and 6 book chapters. His work is highly regarded, reflected in his H-index of 48 on Google Scholar and 39 on Scopus. Additionally, he has successfully supervised and mentored numerous postgraduate and postdoctoral researchers, further underscoring his leadership and mentorship in the research community. His role as an associate editor for several high-impact IEEE journals also highlights his expertise in evaluating and guiding cutting-edge research in his field.

Publications

A survey on 5G networks for the Internet of Things: Communication technologies and challenges

  • Authors: GA Akpakwu, BJ Silva, GP Hancke, AM Abu-Mahfouz
  • Year: 2017
  • Citations: 1473
  • Journal: IEEE Access
  • Volume: 6
  • Pages: 3619-3647

From industry 4.0 to agriculture 4.0: Current status, enabling technologies, and research challenges

  • Authors: Y Liu, X Ma, L Shu, GP Hancke, AM Abu-Mahfouz
  • Year: 2020
  • Citations: 620
  • Journal: IEEE Transactions on Industrial Informatics
  • Volume: 17
  • Issue: 6
  • Pages: 4322-4334

A survey on software-defined wireless sensor networks: Challenges and design requirements

  • Authors: HI Kobo, AM Abu-Mahfouz, GP Hancke
  • Year: 2017
  • Citations: 541
  • Journal: IEEE Access
  • Volume: 5
  • Pages: 1872-1899

Software defined wireless sensor networks application opportunities for efficient network management: A survey

  • Authors: KM Modieginyane, BB Letswamotse, R Malekian, AM Abu-Mahfouz
  • Year: 2018
  • Citations: 268
  • Journal: Computers & Electrical Engineering
  • Volume: 66
  • Pages: 274-287

A review of machine learning approaches to power system security and stability

  • Authors: OA Alimi, K Ouahada, AM Abu-Mahfouz
  • Year: 2020
  • Citations: 266
  • Journal: IEEE Access
  • Volume: 8
  • Pages: 113512-113531

IoT devices and applications based on LoRa/LoRaWAN

  • Authors: O Khutsoane, B Isong, AM Abu-Mahfouz
  • Year: 2017
  • Citations: 249
  • Conference: IECON 2017 – 43rd Annual Conference of the IEEE Industrial Electronics Society
  • Pages: Not specified

Software defined networking for improved wireless sensor network management: A survey

  • Authors: M Ndiaye, GP Hancke, AM Abu-Mahfouz
  • Year: 2017
  • Citations: 243
  • Journal: Sensors
  • Volume: 17
  • Issue: 5
  • Article Number: 1031

IoT in the wake of COVID-19: A survey on contributions, challenges and evolution

  • Authors: M Ndiaye, SS Oyewobi, AM Abu-Mahfouz, GP Hancke, AM Kurien, …
  • Year: 2020
  • Citations: 193
  • Journal: IEEE Access
  • Volume: 8
  • Pages: 186821-186839

Towards achieving a reliable leakage detection and localization algorithm for application in water piping networks: An overview

  • Authors: KB Adedeji, Y Hamam, BT Abe, AM Abu-Mahfouz
  • Year: 2017
  • Citations: 180
  • Journal: IEEE Access
  • Volume: 5
  • Pages: 20272-20285

Smart water meter system for user-centric consumption measurement

  • Authors: MJ Mudumbe, AM Abu-Mahfouz
  • Year: 2015
  • Citations: 167
  • Conference: 2015 IEEE 13th International Conference on Industrial Informatics (INDIN)