Dr Payam Khazaeinejad

Faculty of Engineering, Computing and the Environment
Department of Mechanical Engineering
Department of Aerospace and Aircraft Engineering
Department of Electrical, Electronic and Robotic Engineering
School of Engineering
Roehampton Vale

School Director of Learning & Teaching

Email:: p.khazaeinejad@kingston.ac.uk

About

I hold a PhD in Engineering from the University of Edinburgh. I am a Chartered Engineer, Chartered Scientist, and Senior Fellow of Higher Education Academy (Advance HE). Additionally, I am a Senior Member of the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA), and a Member of the Institute of Physics (IOP), the Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE), the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME), EPSRC Peer Review College, and Chartered Management Institute (CMI).

I am the Director of Learning and Teaching in the School of Engineering at Kingston University London and the Scheme Owner for the University's Monitored Professional Development Scheme (MPDS) accredited by the Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE). I also chair the IMechE's Structural Technology and Materials Group (STMG) and serve on the IMechE Technical Strategy Board, the IMechE Council, and the Applied Mechanics Group of the Institute of Physics (IOP).

My research expertise and interests are deeply rooted in solid mechanics and advanced computational methodologies, particularly focusing on the innovative application of biological paradigms in materials and system design. This approach leverages nature's inherent genius to develop materials and systems with unparalleled properties and adaptability, spanning micro to macro scales. My work involves the use of sophisticated computational algorithms and simulations to explore the behaviour of advanced materials, pushing the boundaries beyond traditional experimental techniques to uncover hidden structural elements. Beyond the scope of materials science, I have a profound interest in understanding and mitigating failure mechanisms in various structures, particularly under extreme thermomechanical actions. This aspect of my research highlights my keen interest in ensuring resilience and reliability in engineering designs, a crucial factor in today's rapidly evolving technological landscape.

Qualifications

2024: Machine Learning for Materials Informatics - MIT Professional Education
2024: Chartered Scientist (CSci) – UK Science Council
2023: Chartered Manager Bootcamp (CMI Level 5 Diploma in Management and Leadership)
2021: Chartered Engineer (CEng) – UK Engineering Council
2021: Certificate in Innovation in Teaching (Laspau – Affiliated with Harvard University)
2016: Ph.D. in Engineering - The University of Edinburgh
2015: Fire Dynamics & Fire Safety Engineering Design Certificate – The University of Edinburgh
2006: M.S. Mechanical Engineering - Applied Mechanics
2004: B.S. Mechanical Engineering - Solid Mechanics

Domains

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

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

Specialisms

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 Engineer, 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, American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME)

Enterprising Value Award Winner 2024 - Kingston University People Awards

Qualifications and expertise

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

University responsibilities

ECE Faculty Rep - Academic Advisory Group: Central Apply (2025-present)
Member - University's Education Committee (2024-present)
School Director of Learning and Teaching - School of Engineering (2024-present)
Member - ECE Faculty Education Committee (2024-present)
Member - ECE Faculty CMMP (Course & Module Modifications Panel) (2024-present)
Member - ECE Faculty Learning & Teaching Group (2024-present)
Member - SDLT (School Directors of Learning & Teaching) Forum (2024-present)
Member - School of Engineering Education Committee (2024-present)
Member - ECE Faculty Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) Action Group (2024-present)
Founding Member - Engineering Simulation Group (2024-present)
Member - ECE Faculty Course Portfolio Task Group (2023-present)
Course Director of Undergraduate Mechanical Engineering Programmes (2020-2024)
School Director of Postgraduate Research - School of Engineering (2020-2024)
Industrial Advisory Board (IAB) Liaison Officer - School of Engineering (2022-2024)
Member - ECE Faculty Research Degrees Committee (2019-2024)
Member - Mechanical Engineering Student Voice Committee (2023-2024)
Learning, Teaching & Assessment Development Lead Tutor - Department of Mechanical Engineering (2020-2023)
Extra-Curricular Events & Activities Tutor - Department of Mechanical Engineering (2020-2023)
Member - Mechanical Engineering Staff-Student Consultative Committee (2020-2023)