Mr. Ahmad Bawagnih | Mechanical Engineering | Young Scientist Award
King Fahd University of Petroleum & Minerals | Saudi Arabia
Mr. Ahmad Hatem Bawagnih is an emerging researcher in the field of mechanical and materials engineering, with a strong focus on advanced manufacturing processes, tribology, and finite element modeling (FEA). Currently pursuing his Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering (Materials and Manufacturing) at King Fahd University of Petroleum & Minerals (KFUPM), Saudi Arabia, he has already made significant contributions through funded research projects, scholarly publications, and academic teaching. Ahmad’s expertise spans thermomechanical analysis, wear resistance, additive manufacturing, and corrosion studies, which are essential for advancing industrial applications in oil, gas, and materials science. His master’s thesis on tribological characterization of fiber-reinforced epoxy composites has direct industrial relevance, particularly in petroleum casing applications. Ahmad has collaborated with Saudi Aramco and the Deanship of Scientific Research at KFUPM, contributing to impactful projects such as non-metallic casing wear factor development and friction stir welding repair methods. His publications in high-quality journals and conference proceedings reflect his research depth and commitment to excellence. Alongside research, he contributes to academic growth as a Graduate Assistant, teaching courses in materials science and mechanical engineering labs. With a proven record of academic performance, industry experience, and technical expertise, Ahmad represents the new generation of researchers bridging academic knowledge with real-world applications.
Professional Profile
Scopus | ORCID | Google Scholar
Education
Mr. Ahmad Hatem Bawagnih’s educational journey demonstrates consistent academic excellence and specialization in mechanical engineering. He earned his Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering (Production and Machines) from Al-Balqaʼ Applied University, Jordan, graduating with a GPA of 3.56 and ranking 3rd in his class. His undergraduate project investigated the effect of welding current on the mechanical properties and microstructure of stainless steel, providing him with early exposure to metallurgical and materials research. Building on this strong foundation, Ahmad pursued his M.Sc. in Mechanical Engineering (Materials and Manufacturing) at King Fahd University of Petroleum & Minerals (KFUPM), Dhahran, Saudi Arabia, starting. KFUPM, ranked among the top 100 global universities, provided him with a highly competitive research environment. His graduate coursework includes advanced modules such as fracture of engineering materials, finite element analysis, mechanical properties of engineering polymers, and corrosion in petroleum systems. His thesis focuses on the tribological characterization of glass fiber–reinforced epoxy composites for oil well casing coatings, integrating both theoretical modeling and experimental validation. Additionally, he has completed research projects on friction stir welding, crack repair, and corrosion effects on mechanical properties, strengthening his expertise in simulation, testing, and material evaluation. This educational background forms a solid base for his ongoing research contributions.
Professional Experience
Mr. Ahmad Hatem Bawagnih combines academic teaching, research involvement, and industrial engineering practice, which enriches his professional profile. He has been serving as a Graduate Assistant at KFUPM, where he has contributed to teaching materials science, mechanical engineering workshops, and tribology labs. In this role, he has guided undergraduate students, supported laboratory experiments, and assisted in curriculum delivery, ensuring a balance between theory and practice. His earlier experience as a Mechanical Engineering Teacher under the Jordanian Ministry of Education enabled him to deliver complete courses in welding technology, metal forming, and mechanical drawing, as well as supervise student training workshops. Ahmad also worked as a Maintenance Engineer at Al Durra International for Food Industry, where he implemented maintenance schedules, modified production lines, and supervised the manufacturing of stainless-steel food tanks. This practical engineering experience provided him with insight into industrial problem-solving, process optimization, and team management. His diverse experiences across academia, research, and industry allow him to approach engineering challenges with both theoretical expertise and applied knowledge. These professional roles have not only shaped his technical and managerial abilities but also positioned him as a strong candidate for future leadership in engineering research and education.
Research Interests
Mr. Ahmad Hatem Bawagnih’s research interests lie at the intersection of materials engineering, advanced manufacturing, and mechanical testing, with a particular emphasis on tribology, corrosion, and structural integrity. He is deeply engaged in finite element modeling (FEA) for thermomechanical analysis of processes such as welding, friction stir processing, and additive manufacturing. His focus on tribological performance of coatings and composites is directly tied to industrial applications, especially in oil well casing protection where wear and corrosion resistance are crucial. Additionally, Ahmad is keen to explore additive manufacturing technologies and their integration into mechanical and materials engineering, targeting innovations that improve material properties, reduce costs, and enhance sustainability. His published research includes tribological characterization of epoxy composite coatings and surface crack repair in aluminum alloys using friction stir welding, both of which contribute to global advancements in manufacturing technologies. Ahmad also has a growing interest in corrosion testing, mechanical behavior under environmental stress, and the design of wear-resistant materials. Looking ahead, he intends to expand his research into smart materials and advanced composites, bridging fundamental studies with industrial challenges. This evolving interest ensures his work remains relevant and impactful in both academic and applied engineering contexts.
Research Skills
Mr. Ahmad Hatem Bawagnih has developed a comprehensive set of research and technical skills that enhance his ability to contribute effectively to mechanical and materials engineering. His core expertise lies in finite element analysis (FEA) using ANSYS, ABAQUS, and 3D Flow, where he has modeled fracture toughness, thermomechanical stresses, and corrosion effects on materials. He possesses advanced proficiency in 3D modeling and assembly using SolidWorks, enabling him to design components and simulate real-world engineering scenarios. Ahmad is also experienced in tribological testing, corrosion evaluation (ASTM G48 methods), and mechanical property assessments under various environmental conditions. His academic training has equipped him with strong skills in simulation, experimental testing, data interpretation, and academic writing. He has contributed to high-quality publications in journals such as Polymers and Journal of Advanced Joining Processes, as well as conference proceedings published by Springer. Beyond technical expertise, Ahmad is skilled in teaching laboratory-based courses, mentoring students, and assisting with research experiments, which strengthens his academic leadership profile. His exposure to collaborative, interdisciplinary, and industry-funded projects reflects his adaptability and teamwork skills. Collectively, these competencies highlight his ability to tackle complex engineering problems, produce publishable research, and transfer knowledge effectively within academia and industry.
Awards & Honors
Mr. Ahmad Hatem Bawagnih has consistently demonstrated academic excellence and merit, earning recognition through fully funded scholarships during both his undergraduate and graduate studies. His academic achievements at Al-Balqaʼ Applied University placed him among the top-performing students, graduating with a high GPA and ranking 3rd in his class. His performance earned him a competitive scholarship to continue his M.Sc. at KFUPM, one of the region’s most prestigious universities. In addition to scholarships, Ahmad’s contributions to the field are recognized through peer-reviewed journal articles and conference presentations, which serve as professional accolades of his research excellence. His publications in Polymers and Journal of Advanced Joining Processes, along with contributions to Springer’s TMS conference series, highlight his growing recognition in the global research community. Professionally, his ability to secure roles as a Graduate Assistant and Mechanical Engineering Teacher reflects trust in his academic competence and teaching skills. These honors and achievements underscore his dedication to both research and education. They also emphasize his potential to become a future leader in engineering research. His combination of awards, research output, and teaching accomplishments positions him as a well-rounded candidate for international recognition.
Publication Top Notes
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Temperature and Stresses in AA 6082-T6 Friction Stir Spot Welding (FSSW) Using Coupled Eulerian–Lagrangian Finite Element Method — 2025 — 1 citation
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Tribological Characterization of an Epoxy Composite Coating for Enhanced Wear Resistance in Oil Well Casing Applications — 2025
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Surface Cracks Repair in AA6061-T6 Aluminum Alloys Using Friction Stir Processing — 2025
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Influence of Friction Stir Welding on the Corrosion Resistance of Al6061 — 2025
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A Novel Approach to Friction Stir Welding (FSW): Repairing Cracks in AA6061-T6 Aluminium Alloy Using Aluminium Filler Rod and SiC Nanoparticles — 2025
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in AA6061-T6 Aluminium Alloy Using (Friction Stir Welding and Processing XIII) — 2025
Conclusion
In conclusion, Mr. Ahmad Hatem Bawagnih is a dynamic researcher and engineer whose academic, professional, and research journey reflects both dedication and innovation. His educational path from Jordan to Saudi Arabia demonstrates resilience and ambition, while his active contributions in tribology, finite element modeling, and materials characterization showcase his ability to address critical challenges in engineering. Through his publications, funded projects with Saudi Aramco, and teaching at KFUPM, he has already made a mark on the global research landscape. Ahmad’s technical expertise, academic leadership, and industry experience distinguish him as more than just a student researcher—he is a promising scholar positioned to influence both academia and industry. His future plans to explore additive manufacturing and advanced composite materials signal his forward-thinking approach to engineering challenges. Recognized with scholarships, publications, and teaching roles, he embodies the qualities of a dedicated researcher deserving of recognition through awards such as the Best Researcher Award. With continued focus on expanding collaborations and publishing in high-impact journals, Ahmad is well-positioned to become a global leader in mechanical and materials engineering research, driving innovation and contributing meaningfully to scientific and industrial advancements.