Miranda Fateri | Space Manufacturing | Best Researcher Award

Prof. Dr Miranda Fateri | Space Manufacturing | Best Researcher Award

Professor, Aalen University, Germany

Miranda Fateri is a professor at Aalen University, specializing in Additive Manufacturing, Selective Laser Melting, and In-Situ Resource Utilization (ISRU) for space applications. With a strong background in engineering and material sciences, she has played a vital role in pioneering research on lunar regolith processing and 3D printing technologies for extraterrestrial environments. She has contributed to multiple ESA and Horizon 2020 projects, focusing on sustainable manufacturing solutions for space exploration. Her work on solar sintering, microwave additive manufacturing, and lunar regolith utilization has earned her global recognition. She has also supervised over 30 technology readiness level (TRL) projects and managed significant research funding exceeding €2 million.

PROFESSIONAL PROFILE

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STRENGTHS FOR THE AWARD

  1. Extensive Research Contributions – Dr. Fateri has a strong publication record in Additive Manufacturing, Selective Laser Melting, Lunar Regolith, and Microgravity applications. Their research significantly contributes to space exploration and sustainable manufacturing.
  2. Significant Funding and Awards – Secured over €2 million in research grants, including funding from ESA, H2020, DLR, and Innovate-Sand Project, demonstrating strong research impact and leadership.
  3. Innovative Space Applications – Their work on lunar regolith sintering, 3D printing for space applications, and in-situ resource utilization (ISRU) supports future Moon and Mars missions, which is a groundbreaking area in aerospace engineering.
  4. Experimental Leadership – Dr. Fateri has played a key role in experiments for the International Space Station (ISS), ESA, and DLR projects, demonstrating the ability to translate theoretical research into real-world space applications.
  5. Mentorship & Supervision – Supervised 30+ projects under ESA Spaceship-EAC, contributing to the next generation of researchers in additive manufacturing and space technology.
  6. Industry Collaboration – Strong partnerships with DLR, ESA, and international research institutions showcase their ability to work on large-scale projects with global impact.

AREAS FOR IMPROVEMENT

  1. Broader Industrial Impact – While their research is highly specialized in space manufacturing, expanding applications of their findings to terrestrial industries (e.g., sustainable construction, biomedical applications of AM) could further enhance impact.
  2. Interdisciplinary Outreach – Engaging in more cross-disciplinary collaborations with materials science, environmental engineering, and AI-based optimization could strengthen research versatility.
  3. Increased Citation Impact – While well-cited, increasing high-impact journal publications and patent applications could further solidify their status as a leading researcher.

EDUCATION

🎓 Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering – RWTH Aachen University
🎓 M.Sc. in Mechanical Engineering – RWTH Aachen University
🎓 B.Sc. in Mechanical Engineering – University of Tehran
Her academic journey began at the University of Tehran, where she completed her bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering. She then pursued her master’s and doctoral studies at RWTH Aachen University, focusing on advanced manufacturing techniques, material processing, and space technology applications. Her doctoral research contributed to the development of additive manufacturing techniques for extraterrestrial environments, particularly selective laser melting of lunar regolith.

EXPERIENCE

🛰 Professor at Aalen University – Teaching and research in additive manufacturing
🚀 Engineering Lab Head at DLR-Cologne – Responsible for experimental designs, equipment management, and risk assessments
🏗 Additive Manufacturing Lab Lead at FH Aachen – Supervised projects, managed safety protocols, and conducted research on advanced manufacturing techniques
🔬 ESA Spaceship-EAC Program – Supervised 30+ research projects focused on space manufacturing
🌍 Horizon’s ISS Experiment – Developed additive manufacturing solutions for space applications, including on the ISS
📡 Project Lead for ESA and H2020 Programs – Focused on lunar regolith 3D printing, energy storage, and extraterrestrial construction

AWARDS AND HONORS

🏆 Research Grants & Awards – Secured over €2 million in research funding
🏅 ESA-ESTEC OSIP Idea Calls – Recognized for innovative lunar regolith utilization projects
🥇 Horizon 2020 Regolight Project – Key contributor to the development of solar sintering techniques for lunar applications
🚀 DLR-Technology Marketing Innovate-Sand Project – Led research on Sahara sand-based additive manufacturing
🔬 ESA-NPI Project Award – Developed powder-based 3D printing solutions for microgravity environments
🌌 Explor-Stiftung Kessler & Co. Grant – Advanced research in 3D-printed pneumatic actuators

RESEARCH FOCUS

🔄 Additive Manufacturing – Advancing 3D printing for space applications
🌕 Lunar Regolith Processing – Developing sustainable construction methods for the Moon
🛰 Microgravity Manufacturing – Creating novel solutions for in-space fabrication
Solar Sintering – Harnessing solar energy for extraterrestrial manufacturing
Material Science – Investigating new materials for high-performance applications in space

PUBLICATION TOP NOTES

📄 Process parameters development of selective laser melting of lunar regolith for on‐site manufacturing applications
📄 Solar sintering for lunar additive manufacturing
📄 Selective laser melting of soda‐lime glass powder
📄 EAC-1A: A novel large-volume lunar regolith simulant
📄 Experimental investigation on selective laser melting of glass
📄 Feasibility study on additive manufacturing of recyclable objects for space applications
📄 Investigation of the sintering and melting of JSC-2A lunar regolith simulant
📄 Thermal properties of processed lunar regolith simulant
📄 Advancing solar sintering for building a base on the Moon
📄 Experimental investigation of selective laser melting of lunar regolith for in-situ applications
📄 **Investigation on wetting and melting behavior of lunar regolith simulant for additive manufacturing

CONCLUSION

Dr. Miranda Fateri is a strong candidate for the Best Researcher Award, given their pioneering work in Additive Manufacturing for Space Applications, Microgravity Research, and Lunar Resource Utilization. Their contributions to ESA, ISS, and DLR projects showcase scientific leadership, innovation, and global impact. Expanding industrial applications and interdisciplinary collaborations could further elevate their standing in the field.

Alireza Bagher Shemirani | Civil Engineering and cosmology | Best Paper Award

Prof Alireza Bagher Shemirani | Civil Engineering and cosmology | Best Paper Award

Faculty of Civil, Water and Environmental Engineering, Shahid Beheshti University, Iran

Alireza Bagher Shemirani is a renowned researcher and academic in the field of Civil Engineering, currently serving at Shahid Beheshti University in Iran. His research primarily focuses on concrete materials, fracture mechanics, and the behavior of construction materials under various loading conditions. He is recognized for his experimental and numerical approaches to understanding the tensile strength, fracture toughness, and shear behavior of materials such as concrete and rock-like substances. Dr. Shemirani has published extensively in top-tier journals and is highly regarded for his contributions to the mechanical behavior of construction materials, particularly in the areas of fracture simulation, concrete testing, and construction material characterization.

Profile

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Strengths for the Award

  1. Extensive Research Output: Alireza Bagher Shemirani has demonstrated a remarkable commitment to advancing knowledge in civil engineering, specifically focusing on concrete materials and fracture mechanics. With over 20 peer-reviewed publications in high-impact journals like Construction and Building Materials, Geomechanics and Engineering, and Rock Mechanics and Rock Engineering, Dr. Shemirani has contributed to the academic community’s understanding of concrete behavior, fracture toughness, and the mechanics of construction materials under various stress conditions.
  2. Innovative Approach: His work is characterized by a combination of experimental and numerical investigations, demonstrating his ability to merge practical testing with sophisticated simulation techniques. Notably, his research into novel apparatus for concrete tensile strength determination and fracture toughness, as well as the use of discrete element modeling (PFC2D, PFC3D), has positioned him as a leader in innovative testing methodologies.
  3. Interdisciplinary Impact: Dr. Shemirani’s research covers a wide range of topics, from the mechanical properties of concrete and rock-like materials to the application of machine learning techniques for predicting concrete’s tensile strength. This interdisciplinary approach increases the broader applicability of his work, offering valuable insights into both civil engineering and material science.
  4. Collaborative Nature: His collaborative work with other researchers in the field has resulted in several influential papers, underlining his ability to work effectively in team settings and contribute to larger academic and professional communities.

Areas for Improvement

  1. Citations and Global Recognition: While Dr. Shemirani has published widely and his work is cited in reputable journals, his citation count could benefit from broader international recognition and outreach, especially in journals or conferences beyond the immediate scope of concrete mechanics. More visibility in global conferences or collaborations with international research institutes could help elevate his profile on the world stage.
  2. Research Diversification: Although Dr. Shemirani’s research is cutting-edge within his niche, there is an opportunity to expand his focus to other areas of civil engineering, such as sustainability in construction materials or the integration of green technologies in material testing, which are increasingly important in the modern engineering landscape.
  3. Public Engagement and Dissemination: Increasing public outreach and dissemination of research findings to a wider audience, including industry stakeholders and policymakers, could enhance the impact of his work. Translating complex scientific findings into practical guidelines for industry application could help bridge the gap between academia and real-world construction practices.

Education

Alireza Bagher Shemirani earned his Ph.D. in Civil Engineering from Shahid Beheshti University, Iran, where he specialized in the study of concrete behavior and fracture mechanics. His academic background is built on a solid foundation in structural engineering, materials science, and computational methods for analyzing construction materials. During his studies, Dr. Shemirani focused on understanding the fundamental mechanical properties of concrete and rock-like materials through experimental and numerical simulations. He has continued to advance his expertise in fracture mechanics and material testing methods, contributing significantly to both academic knowledge and practical applications in civil engineering.

Experience 

Dr. Alireza Bagher Shemirani has significant experience in both academia and research. As a faculty member at Shahid Beheshti University, he has led numerous research projects and mentored graduate students in the areas of material testing, fracture mechanics, and structural behavior. His research is recognized for its depth in experimental methods and numerical simulations, often combining both to gain insights into material behaviors under complex conditions. He has collaborated with other leading researchers in the field and contributed to the development of innovative testing apparatuses and simulation tools for concrete and rock-like materials. Dr. Shemirani’s academic expertise is complemented by his extensive publication record, which includes articles in top international journals on structural engineering, material mechanics, and geotechnical engineering.

Awards and Honors 

Dr. Alireza Bagher Shemirani has received numerous accolades for his contributions to the field of civil engineering, particularly in the areas of concrete materials and fracture mechanics. His research on the shear and tensile behavior of concrete, as well as his work in developing new testing methodologies, has been widely cited and recognized by peers. He has been honored for his groundbreaking work on the failure mechanisms of non-persistent joints, as well as his contributions to understanding the fracture toughness of rock-like materials. In addition to his research achievements, Dr. Shemirani has earned several academic distinctions for his teaching and mentorship, with many of his students going on to succeed in both academia and industry.

Research Focus 

Dr. Alireza Bagher Shemirani’s research primarily focuses on the mechanical properties of construction materials, especially concrete and rock-like materials. His work explores fracture mechanics, tensile strength, and shear behavior under high loads. He is particularly interested in how various loading conditions affect the failure mechanisms of materials, including concrete and rock under both experimental and simulated environments. Dr. Shemirani has pioneered methods for testing the fracture toughness of concrete, developing novel apparatus and utilizing computational simulations for advanced material behavior analysis. His studies have significantly contributed to understanding the interaction between materials in structural systems, particularly in the context of construction materials subjected to dynamic loading. Additionally, Dr. Shemirani is interested in the application of fiber-reinforced concrete and the role of machine learning in predicting material properties, making his research highly interdisciplinary, with strong links to both civil engineering and material science.

Publication Top Notes

  1. Experimental and numerical study on choosing proper pulse shapers for testing concrete specimens by split Hopkinson pressure bar apparatus 🧱📊
  2. Shear Behavior of Non-Persistent Joint Under High Normal Load 🏗️⚙️
  3. Experiental and Numerical Investigation of the Center-Cracked Horseshoe Disk Method for Determining the Mode I Fracture Toughness of Rock-Like Material 💥🪨
  4. Determination of tensile strength of concrete using a novel apparatus 🧱🔬
  5. A review paper about experimental investigations on failure behavior of non-persistent joint 📚⚡
  6. Direct and indirect methods for determination of mode I fracture toughness using PFC2D 💻🔧
  7. On the direct experimental measurement of mortar fracture toughness by a compression-to-tensile load transformer (CTLT) 🏗️🛠️
  8. Investigation of ratio of TBM disc spacing to penetration depth in rocks with different tensile strengths using PFC2D 🚜🪓
  9. Investigation of the interaction between concrete-gypsum interface and internal notch using experimental test and numerical simulation 🧱⚡
  10. The effect of compression load and rock bridge geometry on the shear mechanism of weak plane 🌍⚙️
  11. A fracture mechanics simulation of the pre-holed concrete Brazilian discs 🔨💥
  12. Simulation of fracture mechanism of pre-holed concrete model under Brazilian test using PFC3D 🧱🔄
  13. Experimental and numerical simulating of the crack separation on the tensile strength of concrete 🧱💥
  14. Field Evaluation of Soil Liquefaction and Its Confrontation in Fine-Grained Sandy Soils (Case Study: South of Hormozgan Province) 🌍🌊
  15. Experimental and numerical investigation of the effect of bridge area and its angularities on the failure mechanism of non-persistent crack in concrete-like materials 🏗️🔬
  16. Experimental and numerical investigation of the effect of sample shapes on point load index ⚙️📏
  17. Experimental investigating the properties of fiber reinforced concrete by combining different fibers 🔩🧱
  18. A discrete element simulation of a punch-through shear test to investigate the confining pressure effects on the shear behavior of concrete cracks 🧱💥
  19. Prediction of tensile strength of concrete using the machine learning methods 🤖🧱
  20. Experimental and numerical studies of concrete bridge decks using ultra high-performance concrete and reinforced concrete 🌉🧱

Conclusion

Alireza Bagher Shemirani is undoubtedly a highly qualified candidate for the Research for Best Researcher Award, thanks to his groundbreaking contributions to the study of concrete and fracture mechanics. His expertise in both experimental and numerical methods, combined with a clear focus on improving material testing and understanding failure mechanisms, places him at the forefront of civil engineering research. His work has significant implications for improving the safety, durability, and performance of construction materials, which has direct applications in real-world engineering challenges. While there is room for growth in terms of broader recognition and engagement with industry, his innovative approaches and collaborative nature make him a strong contender for the award. Dr. Shemirani’s continued contributions to the field will likely have a lasting impact on the future of civil engineering.

Liheng Wu – space structure – Best Researcher Award

Liheng Wu - space structure - Best Researcher Award

Southeast University - China

AUTHOR PROFILE

SCOPUS

🔧 RESEARCH FOCUS

Liheng Wu is a postdoctoral researcher at Southeast University, specializing in civil engineering. His research spans kinematics, dynamics, compliant mechanisms, robotics, and tensegrity structures. He integrates advanced mechanical theories to develop cutting-edge solutions in both theoretical and applied mechanics.

📚 EDUCATIONAL BACKGROUND

Liheng completed his PhD in Mechanical Engineering at Tianjin University in 2020. With an MS from Hebei University of Technology and a Bachelor's in Engineering from Chongqing Business and Technology University, his educational journey has been marked by a deep focus on mechanical and structural dynamics.

⚙️ KINEMATIC DISCOVERIES

One of Liheng’s key contributions is his work on matrix methods for identifying linkages with first-order mobility. He has also contributed to understanding second-order kinematic constraints and discovered a new Euler-Savary equation of four-bar linkages, pushing the boundaries of mechanical design theory.

🏗️ TENSEGRITY STRUCTURES

In the field of tensegrity structures, Liheng has pioneered novel transformations between linkage-truss systems and tensegrity structures. His work on prestress-stability analysis and prismatic tensegrity systems has influenced structural design methodologies in mechanical engineering.

💡 INNOVATIVE MECHANISMS

Liheng is known for designing innovative displacement amplifying mechanisms using curvature theory. These mechanisms are crucial in enhancing the precision and efficiency of compliant systems, leading to new applications in robotics and dynamic systems.

🔋 SOLITON IN METAMATERIALS

A significant area of his research is the generation of solitary waves in electrical transmission networks. By leveraging soliton dynamics in metamaterials, Liheng's work has the potential to revolutionize energy transmission and network stability.

🏆 PUBLICATIONS & IMPACT

Liheng has published influential papers in leading journals such as Mechanisms and Machine Theory and Journal of Mechanical Design. His research has broad applications, from structural mechanics to advanced robotics, making him a recognized voice in his field.

NOTABLE PUBLICATION

Analyzing Higher-Order Curvature of Four-Bar Linkages with Derivatives of Screws
Authors: Wu, L., Cai, J., Dai, J.S.
Year: 2024
Journal: Machines, 12(8), 576

A Novel Ortho-Triplex Tensegrity Derived by the Linkage-Truss Transformation with Prestress-Stability Analysis Using Screw Theory
Authors: Wu, L., Dai, J.S.
Year: 2021
Journal: Journal of Mechanical Design, 143(1), 013302

A Matrix Method to Determine Infinitesimally Mobile Linkages with Only First-Order Infinitesimal Mobility
Authors: Wu, L., Müller, A., Dai, J.S.
Year: 2020
Journal: Mechanism and Machine Theory, 148, 103776

Matrix Analysis of Second-Order Kinematic Constraints of Single-Loop Linkages in Screw Coordinates
Authors: Wu, L., Müller, A., Dai, J.S.
Year: 2018