Florin Popister | Mechanical Engineering | Engineering Research Excellence Award

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Assoc. Prof. Dr. Florin Popister | Mechanical Engineering | Engineering Research Excellence Award

Technical University of Cluj-Napoca | Romania

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Eng. Florin Popișter is an accomplished researcher and academic in industrial engineering, mechanical design, and robotics. He earned his Ph.D. in Industrial Engineering from the Technical University of Cluj-Napoca, where he currently serves as an Associate Professor, contributing to teaching, research, and supervision in areas such as CAD/CAM systems, industrial robots, reverse engineering, and advanced manufacturing. His professional experience spans both academia and industry, including significant contributions as a design engineer at Gühring Romania, where he developed customized PCD/PCBN tools for the automotive sector. His research includes 3D printing technologies, robotic mechanisms, toolpath generation, workspace optimization, and digital manufacturing, with multiple Q1 journal publications in Polymers, Applied Sciences, and Mathematics. He has led and contributed to national and international research contracts, including H2020 Smart2 and projects focused on automation systems for the pharmaceutical industry. His achievements include a Best Paper Award, participation in Prototypes for Humanity, and invited professorships in Europe. His work continues to advance intelligent manufacturing, Industry 4.0 applications, and smart robotic systems.

Profile : Orcid

Featured Publications

Popescu, D., Dragomir, D., Popișter, F., & Dragomir, M. (2025). AI alignment to enhance production processes performance and resilience. In Book chapter. Springer.

Dragomir, M., Apolțan, D., Cioșan, A., & Popișter, F. (2025). Assessing the potential of emerging digital technologies to transform the production sector. Annals of the Academy of Romanian Scientists Series on Economy, Law and Sociology.

Popișter, F., Ciudin, P., Dragomir, M., & Goia, H. Ș. (2025). From assistive to intelligent: The development of a low-cost smart crutch system. In Book chapter. Springer.

Popișter, F. (2025). Experimental study of comprehensive performance analysis regarding the dynamical/mechanical aspects of 3D-printed UAV propellers and sound footprint. Polymers, 17(11), 1466.

Popișter, F., Goia, H. Ș., & Ciudin, P. (2025). Influence of polymers surface roughness on noise emissions in 3D-printed UAV propellers. Polymers, 17(8), 1015.

Ahmed Fouly | Mechanical Engineering | Best Academic Researcher Award

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Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ahmed Fouly | Mechanical Engineering | Best Academic Researcher Award

College of Engineering, King Saud University | Saudi Arabia

Dr. Ahmed Fouly is an accomplished engineer and researcher with a robust interdisciplinary profile: he holds a PhD in Mechatronics and Robotics (2017) from the Egypt–Japan University of Science and Technology, and earlier earned an MSc and BSc in Production Engineering & Mechanical Design from Minia University. Over the years he has progressed through academic ranks to become Associate Professor at King Saud University and concurrently in Minia University. He has published over 90 peer-reviewed articles . 873 citations and a current h-index of 18 as per Google Scholar . His research spans materials science tribology and wear, mechatronics and MEMS, AI modeling, and contact modeling using FEA. His academic experience includes service as course instructor in mechatronics, robotics, control, sensors, mechanical design, and finite element analysis, and supervising numerous projects in biomedical composites and robotics. He has secured competitive research grants (e.g. from King Salman Center, oriented research programs) and won multiple awards including “scientific publication awards” over successive years, best conference paper awards, and institutional recognition for robotics design. In sum, Dr. Fouly is a dynamic scholar fusing engineering, materials, and intelligent systems, with strong publication impact and leadership in emerging interdisciplinary fields.

Profiles : Google Scholar | Scopus | Orcid

Featured Publications

Fouly, A., Ibrahim, A. M. M., Sherif, E. S. M., FathEl-Bab, A. M. R., & Badran, A. H. (2021). Effect of low hydroxyapatite loading fraction on the mechanical and tribological characteristics of poly (methyl methacrylate) nanocomposites for dentures. Polymers, 13(6), 857.

Ahmadian, H., Fouly, A., Zhou, T., Kumar, A. S., Fathy, A., & Weijia, G. (2024). Investigating the valence balance of adding Nano SiC and MWCNTs on the improvement properties of copper composite using mechanical alloying and SPS techniques. Diamond and Related Materials, 145, 111113.

Fouly, A., & Alkalla, M. G. (2020). Effect of low nanosized alumina loading fraction on the physicomechanical and tribological behavior of epoxy. Tribology International, 152, 106550.

Fouly, A., Assaifan, A. K., Alnaser, I. A., Hussein, O. A., & Abdo, H. S. (2022). Evaluating the mechanical and tribological properties of 3D printed polylactic-acid (PLA) green-composite for artificial implant: Hip joint case study. Polymers, 14(23), 5299.

Fouly, A., Abdo, H. S., Seikh, A. H., Alluhydan, K., Alkhammash, H. I., Alnaser, I. A., … (2022). Evaluation of mechanical and tribological properties of corn cob-reinforced epoxy-based composites—theoretical and experimental study.

Rajeev Kumar | Engineering and Technology | Engineering Award of Excellence

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Dr. Rajeev Kumar | Engineering and Technology  | Engineering Award of Excellence

Lovely professional University | India

Dr. Rajeev Kumar is an accomplished researcher and academician in Mechanical Engineering with over 15 years of teaching, research, and mentoring experience. He earned his Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering from IKGPTU, Kapurthala (2023), preceded by an M.Tech in Design Engineering from NIT Kurukshetra (2010) and a B.Tech in Mechanical Engineering from Kurukshetra University (2007). Currently serving as Associate Professor and Assistant Dean at Lovely Professional University, he has contributed extensively to the fields of crack propagation and prognosis, metal matrix composites, polymer composites, and mechanical composites. His prolific academic output includes 74 publications with 874 citations, an h-index of 18, and 64 Scopus-indexed documents, reflecting strong global research visibility. Dr. Kumar has been actively engaged in guiding Ph.D. and postgraduate students while also participating in grant proposals such as the ISRO-funded project on fiber optic acoustic emission sensing. His dedication has earned him recognition, including the Research Excellence Award on Teacher’s Day Celebration 2024 at LPU. Beyond teaching, he has contributed as an editorial board member and reviewer for reputed international journals. Passionate about innovation, he also holds patents in renewable energy and mechanical system design. Dr. Kumar continues to inspire through impactful research, academic leadership, and scientific service.

Profile : Orcid

Featured Publications

“Design and analysis of a stairs-climbing military bot for efficient and stable movement on various terrains”

“Unveiling of mechanical, morphological, and thermal characteristics of alkali-treated flax and pine cone fiber   reinforced polylactic acid (PLA) composites: fabrication and characterizations”

“Exploring the implications of CoCrFeNiCu high entropy alloy coatings on tribomechanical, wetting behavior, and   interfacial microstructural characterizations in microwave-clad AISI 304 stainless steels”

“Synergistic Enhancement of Super Capacitive Performance Through Sol-Gel Auto-Combustion Synthesis of Nickel Ferrite Nano-Particles and Reduced Graphene Oxide Hybrid Nano-Composite Electrode”

“Corrosion analysis of stainless steel exposed to Karanja oil biodiesel: a comparative study with commercial           diesel fuel, surface morphology analysis, and long-term immersion effects in alternative fuels”

Hongchao Qiao | Laser Machining Technology | Best Researcher Award

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Prof. Hongchao Qiao | Laser Machining Technology | Best Researcher Award 

Professor, Shenyang Institute of Automation, China

Prof. Hongchao Qiao is a distinguished expert in laser processing technologies and currently serves as a Professor at the Shenyang Institute of Automation, Chinese Academy of Sciences 🇨🇳. He received his B.Eng. and M.Eng. degrees from Dalian University of Technology 🎓. Since joining SIA, his work has focused on water jet guided laser (WJGL) and laser shock peening technologies. With over 100 publications in SCI-indexed journals and 24 invention patents, he has contributed significantly to the field of precision machining. Prof. Qiao is a member of the Youth Innovation Promotion Association of the CAS and is recognized under the “Hundred, Thousand, Ten Thousand Talents Program” in Liaoning Province 🏅. His pioneering studies on composite material removal mechanisms and real-time efficiency evaluation using spectroscopy are highly impactful. He continues to lead innovative projects while mentoring young researchers and collaborating on industrial applications across China.

Professional Profile

📘 Education 

Prof. Hongchao Qiao pursued both his Bachelor of Engineering and Master of Engineering Science degrees at Dalian University of Technology 🏫, a premier institution in China. His academic training laid a strong foundation in mechanical engineering and precision manufacturing, particularly focusing on laser-material interactions and advanced machining technologies. During his academic career, Prof. Qiao demonstrated a keen interest in interdisciplinary learning, integrating knowledge from fluid mechanics, optics, and materials science. This academic pathway directly influenced his post-graduate research direction, especially in the realm of laser-based surface and structural modification techniques. His education was marked by early exposure to research practices, leading to contributions in scientific articles even before his professional career formally began. The rigorous academic environment and mentorship at Dalian University provided Prof. Qiao with both technical depth and a spirit of innovation, which continue to guide his contributions to research and industry today.

🛠️ Experience 

After completing his postgraduate studies, Prof. Hongchao Qiao joined the Shenyang Institute of Automation (SIA), Chinese Academy of Sciences, where he embarked on groundbreaking research in laser processing technologies 🔬. Over the years, he has played a pivotal role in over 27 research projects, including 21 completed and 6 ongoing studies. He has led investigations into water jet guided laser machining, laser shock peening, and hybrid thermal-mechanical processing techniques. His work involves both theoretical and experimental components, contributing to cutting-edge innovations in advanced manufacturing 🏭. Prof. Qiao also collaborates with industries, having successfully contributed to 11 consultancy/industry projects. His practical knowledge extends to system development, laser-fluid coupling, and spectroscopic analysis. Beyond research, he actively mentors graduate students and junior researchers, and engages in scientific collaboration across institutions. His experience spans academia, innovation, and applied engineering, making him a key figure in China’s laser-based smart manufacturing ecosystem.

🔬 Research Focus 

Prof. Qiao’s research is centered on laser processing technologies, with a special focus on Water Jet Guided Laser (WJGL) machining and Laser Shock Peening (LSP) 💡. He proposed the double coaxial gas-assisted WJGL machining method, significantly improving the processing of difficult-to-cut materials such as carbon/silicon carbide fiber composites, superalloys, and silicon carbide 🔧. His research dives deep into material removal mechanisms, integrating effects of laser thermal input, forced water jet cooling, detonation wave shear, and plasma formation 🌊🔥. He is known for his discovery of plasma-induced detonation during WJGL and developed a real-time spectroscopic method for evaluating material removal efficiency. Prof. Qiao’s work combines mechanics, optics, and fluid dynamics, leading to high-precision, damage-minimized material processing. These innovations have not only advanced theoretical understanding but also have substantial industrial relevance. His future focus includes further enhancement of laser-fluid interaction models and development of intelligent machining systems.

Publication Top Notes 

📄  A spectroscopic real-time characterization method of material removal efficiency in water jet guided laser machining technology

Authors: Zhihe Cao, Hongchao Qiao, Shunshan Wang, Jibin Zhao
Journal: Optics and Laser Technology
Citations: 0
Summary:
This study introduces a spectroscopic real-time monitoring technique to evaluate material removal efficiency during water jet guided laser (WJGL) machining. By analyzing the emission spectra generated in real-time, the method allows dynamic assessment of material ablation quality and machining performance. This innovation offers improved control and precision in laser processing of hard-to-machine materials, enhancing process automation and optimization.

📄  Numerical and experimental study on the stability of water-beam fiber in double coaxial gas-assisted water jet guided laser machining

Authors: Yuting Zhang, Hongchao Qiao, Jibin Zhao, Jinsheng Liang, Qing Zhang
Journal: Optics and Laser Technology
Citations: 0
Summary:
The paper presents both numerical simulations and experiments exploring the stability of the laser beam in water jet guided laser machining using a double coaxial gas-assist mechanism. The study analyzes how gas flow configurations affect the water column and laser delivery, contributing to enhanced machining precision and process reliability in complex industrial applications.

📄  Laser Shock Processing Mechanism and Its Applications in Aeronautical Components

Authors: Xiaodie Cao, Yinghua Li, Yuqi Yang, Hongchao Qiao, Yongjie Zhao
Type: Review Article
Citations: 0
Summary:
This review elaborates on the mechanisms of laser shock processing (LSP) and its practical applications in aeronautical components. It covers theoretical foundations, process parameters, residual stress generation, and microstructure enhancement. The study highlights LSP’s effectiveness in improving fatigue life and resistance to stress corrosion cracking in aerospace alloys.

📄 Numerical and experimental study on water jet-guided laser machining of closed-loop groove

Authors: Jinsheng Liang, Hongchao Qiao, Jibin Zhao, Shunshan Wang, Yuting Zhang
Journal: International Journal of Advanced Manufacturing Technology
Citations: 0
Summary:
This paper investigates the machining of closed-loop grooves using water jet-guided laser technology. By combining simulation models and experimental data, it analyzes groove shape, surface quality, and material removal mechanisms. Results demonstrate that the WJGL method offers high precision and reduced thermal damage for advanced manufacturing of intricate features.

📄  Simulation and experimental study on double staggered-axis air-assisted water jet-guided laser film cooling hole machining

Authors: Jinsheng Liang, Hongchao Qiao, Jibin Zhao, Yuting Zhang, Qing Zhang
Journal: Optics and Laser Technology
Citations: 1
Summary:
The study develops a novel configuration of air-assisted WJGL machining using double staggered-axis for film cooling hole creation, crucial in turbine blades. Simulations coupled with experiments show improved hole quality and directional control, providing a pathway for more efficient cooling systems in aeroengine components.

🔬 Conclusion

Professor Hongchao Qiao exemplifies excellence in scientific innovation, with pioneering contributions in laser machining technologies. His inventive method such as the double coaxial gas-assisted water jet guided laser technique—have significantly advanced material processing of complex composites. With over 100 research publications, 24 patents, and numerous completed projects, his work has made a lasting impact on both academia and industry. Recognized through prestigious programs like the “Hundred, Thousand, Ten Thousand Talents Program” and as a member of the Youth Innovation Promotion Association of CAS, Professor Qiao continues to lead with vision and dedication. His nomination for the Best Researcher Award is a well-deserved recognition of his sustained commitment to cutting-edge research, impactful innovations, and academic leadership.