Dr Payam Khazaeinejad

Qualifications and expertise

• Senior Fellow of Advance HE
• Becas Santander Skills: Innovation in Teaching - Laspau (Affiliated with Harvard University)
• Kingston Academic Practice Standards Framework (KAPS) Certificate - Kingston University
• Edinburgh Award (Work Experience) - The University of Edinburgh
• Engineering Mechanics and Materials
• Computer-Aided Engineering

Undergraduate courses taught

• Mechanical Engineering MEng/BEng (Hons)
• Robotic Engineering and Artificial Intelligence MEng/BEng (Hons)

Postgraduate courses taught

• Mechanical Engineering MSc

In the dynamic field of materials science and engineering, my research stands at the forefront of understanding and manipulating the intricate inner structures of structural components. My work is driven by the fundamental belief that by tailoring these structures, we can customise components to meet specific application needs and performance criteria. My approach blends advanced computational analysis with experimental techniques. I explore the complexities of material structures, unraveling the interactions that govern their behaviour under various loading and support scenarios. This dual-methodology offers a comprehensive understanding, highlighting the synergistic dynamics of load-carrying mechanisms within structures.

A key aspect of my research is the integration of bio-inspired paradigms into material and system design. This innovative angle enables me to leverage nature's ingenuity, crafting materials and systems with unparalleled properties and adaptability across scales. My work employs state-of-the-art algorithms and simulations to extend the capabilities of conventional experimental methods. Moreover, my research encompasses the investigation and mitigation of failure mechanisms in structures, especially under extreme thermomechanical conditions. This focus underscores my dedication to ensuring resilience and reliability in engineering designs, a critical consideration in our rapidly advancing technological world.

Case Studies

Pharmaceutical Tablets: Utilising EDEM software's discrete element modeling, the compaction process in orodispersible tablets was simulated, enhancing their suitability for patients with swallowing difficulties.

Bone Regeneration: A series of sophisticated finite element models were developed for bio-inspired piezoelectric scaffolds. These models, optimised using the Taguchi method and calibrated with experimental results, exhibit self-adaptability, mimicking natural bone regeneration.

Floating Solar Panels: Innovatively reducing computational demands, a finite element approach was formulated for heat transfer in floating solar panels, using only a fraction of the degrees of freedom typically required in software simulations.

Structures in Fire: Through large-scale tests on plates with unrestrained edges, my research revealed the formation of a 'compressive ring', akin to a trampoline's rigid ring, under certain conditions. This phenomenon was successfully simulated, offering new insights into structural behaviour in fire.

Subsea Pipelines: Focusing on marine risers, essential in transporting fluids between floating vessels and subsea wells, the static and dynamic behaviour of risers were analysed. This research is crucial in understanding the resilience of these multi-layered components under oceanic conditions.

Qualifications and expertise

• UK EPSRC Summer School on Meshless Methods in Mechanics, Cardiff University (UK)
• Open System for Earthquake Engineering Simulation (OpenSees), The University of Edinburgh (UK)
• Fire Dynamics & Fire Safety Engineering Design CPD, BRE Centre for Fire Safety Engineering (UK)
• Fire Science and Fire Investigation CPD, BRE Centre for Fire Safety Engineering (UK)
• Computer-Aided Engineering
• Engineering Mechanics and Materials

Areas of specialism

• Computational modelling and simulation
• Smart materials, structures and systems
• Bio-inspired design and biomaterials
• Architected materials and structures
• Failure mechanisms of structural systems and components

Scholarly affiliations

• Chartered Member, Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE)
• Chartered Scientist, Institute of Physics (IOP)
• Member, EPSRC Peer Review College
• Senior Member, American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA)
• Member, Institute of Physics (IOP)
• Member, American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME)

Research student supervision

• Miss Sadaf Akbari

Qualifications and expertise

• Chief External Examiner – UWE Bristol (2024-present)
• External Examiner – Manchester Metropolitan University (2024-present)
• External Examiner – University of East London (2023-present)
• External Adviser – University of Wales (2024)
• External Panel Member – University of Northampton (2023)

Professional and scholarly affiliations

• Chair - IMechE Structural Technology and Materials Group (STMG)
• Member - EPSRC Peer Review College
• IMechE MPDS Scheme Owner - Kingston University
• Book Reviewer - Perason Global Editions
• Industrial Advisory Board (IAB) Liaison Officer - Department of Mechanical Engineering
• Chartered Member - Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE)
• Chartered Member - Institute of Physics (IOP)
• Member - American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME)
• Senior Member - American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA)

Qualifications and expertise

• CMI Chartered Manager Bootcamp (CMI Level 5 Diploma in Management and Leadership)

University responsibilities

• Director of Learning and Teaching - School of Engineering (2024-present)
• Member of University's Education Committee (2024-present)
• Director of Postgraduate Research - School of Engineering (2020-2024)
• Course Director of Undergraduate Mechanical Engineering Programmes (2020-2024)
• Member of ECE Faculty Research Degrees Committee (2019-2024)