Research Areas

Disciplines and Research Areas

Mechanical engineering becomes a multi-disciplinary activity. Its research areas encompass a variety of different topics. Current disciplines and research areas within the Department are described hereafter.

​Current Disciplines

  • Controls and Dynamics
  • Design
  • Manufacturing
  • Mechanics and Computations
  • Materials Science and Engineering
  • Heat Transfer and Energy Science
  • Combustion

Research Areas

  • ​​Engineering Design
  • Manufacturing
  • Computation
  • Nano and micro scale technology
  • Mechatronics –Robotics, Controls and Dynamics
  • Energy and Environment
Controls and Dynamics

Control theory is an interdisciplinary branch of engineering and mathematics that deals with the behavior of dynamical systems. Control theory has evolved to play an integral role in the majority of modern engineering systems. Mechanical systems are becoming ever more complex, yet performance requirements are increasingly stringent. At the same time, dramatic developments in microelectronics and computers over the past few decades make it possible to use sophisticated signal processing and control methodologies to enhance system performance.

The study of dynamics is the study of motion. Whether this motion involves automobiles, aircraft or the change of economic indicators, dynamics can be used effectively to gain insight and understanding. The Department provides a variety of graduate as well as undergraduate courses that prepare students for research and development work here and in their professional careers. Courses are offered in linear and nonlinear dynamics, vibrations, and continuous systems

Faculty with research interests that relate to controls and dynamics issues include: H Al-Qahtani,  M. Hawwa, S. Mekid.
 
Design

Faculty in the Design field of Mechanical Engineering work on problems affecting the analysis, synthesis, design, automation, fabrication, testing, evaluation, and optimization of mechanical systems.

The mechanical program offers an integrated set of design, materials and manufacturing courses, as well as hands-on laboratory activities, providing students with a portfolio of skills broad enough to successfully develop complex mechanical engineering systems.

​Faculty with research interests that relate to Design issues are: Mekid, S., K Mezghani, N Merah, M. Hawwa. 

Thermo-Fluid And Computation

Fluid Mechanics, thermodynamics provide students with an understanding of the fundamentals of mechanical systems. The program prepares graduate students for careers in industry and academia. At the graduate level, students can study courses in fluid dynamics, viscous and ideal flows, and advanced thermodynamics before specializing in particular areas. In addition, the group strives to provide graduates with a firm foundation in analytical, computational and experimental essentials of fluid mechanics and dynamics, and thermodynamics

Faculty with research interests that relate to thermo-fluid and computations issues are: Dr. Ahmet Z. Sahin, Esmail M. A. Mokheimer, Mohammed Yaqub, Haitham Bahaidarah, Antar M, A. Alsarkhi, Muzafferuddin Mahmood,
 
Mechanics And Computations

It includes the classical theory of elastic materials and deformable bodies under loads. In addition, it includes the theory of linear elasticity, with its applications to structural materials; solid mechanics also incorporates modern nonlinear theories of highly deformable materials. Material and stress characterization issues and computations in a wide range of solids, including metals, composites, electronic materials, and geologic materials, are also a major focus area in the program.

The program also includes other aspects of continuum mechanics including approximate theories (such as those involving moderate strains or moderate rotations) and the Lagrange representation of vorticity. The behavior of continua that are almost rigid, with a view to characterizing their dynamical characteristics, is also an important topic.

Faculty with research interests that relate to mechanics and computations issues are:

Mekid, S., Hussein Al-Qahtani , Nesar Merah. 
 
Materials Science And Engineering

Fiber-reinforced materials such as carbon, aramid and glass composites have the highest strength and stiffness-to-weight ratios among engineering materials. For demanding applications such as spacecraft, aerospace and high-speed machinery, such properties make for a very efficient and high-performance system.

Composite materials can be tailored for specific applications and several functions can be integrated into a single structure. For example, an integrated structure requiring both high stiffness but low thermal conductivity can be manufactured using mixtures of various composites. Or, a precise satellite antenna that has both dimensional stability as well as excellent microwave performance can be constructed using specific amounts of carbon fiber

Faculty with research interests that relate to materials issues are: Shafique Khan, A S Eleiche, Faheemuddin Patel, Tahar Laoui, A. R . Shuaib, Mirza Murtuza Ali Baig, Naser Alaqeeli, Khaled Mezghani, Nesar Merah, Abu Dheir Numan
 
Manufacturing

Faculty With Research Interests That Relate To Materials Issues Are: Mekid, S., Khaled Mezghani, Abu Dheir Numan

Heat Transfer Energy Science And Technology

The study of heat and mass transfer, thermodynamics, and combustion describe the focus of the Thermal Sciences Program. Research directions in the Thermal Sciences span a wide variety of topics that have both scientific and engineering content. Graduate students can take several courses in heat transfer: convection, conduction and radiation. Other courses in energy are also offered. Special focus is given to renewable energy: solar wind and others.

Faculty with research interests that relate to heat transfer and energy science and technology issues are: Dr. Ahmet Z. Sahin, Antar M, A. Alsarkhi, Esmail M. A. Mokheimer, Mohammed Yaqub, Haitham Bahaidarah.
 
Combustion

The field of combustion has an inherently multidisciplinary character, with strong components in fluid mechanics, heat transfer, chemistry, and materials. Various aspects of combustion exist in numerous practical processes, including energy conversion, material processing, manufacturing, propulsion, waste incineration, pollution, and fire.

Faculty with research interests that relate to combustion issues are: Esmail M. A. Mokheimer, Mohammed Yaqub, Antar M.
 
Nano and micro scale technology

Mekid, S.,Faheemuddin Patel, Hussein Al-Qahtani, Antar M,, M. Hawwa, Mirza Murtuza Ali Baig, Khaled Mezghani, Nesar Merah
 
Clean Energy & Clean Water (KFUPM – MIT Collaboration)

Mekid, S., Dr. Ahmet Z. Sahin, Hussein Al-Qahtani, Esmail M. A. Mokheimer, Antar M, Haitham Bahaidarah,Khaled Mezghan