Advanced Materials and Manufacturing

ADDITIVE MANUFACTURING

The distinctive topology-driven multifunctionalities of nature’s biological systems have motivated the materials science research community to design and synthesize cellular materials for different engineering disciplines. Dr. Rashid Abu Al-Rub’s research has focused on nature-inspired mathematically generated architected metamaterials which have properties that depend not only on the constituent materials but also on the exhibited architectural features. The topology-driven mechanical and physical properties of these metamaterials are explored numerically using advanced modeling techniques. Also, advanced additive manufacturing systems (widely known as 3D printing) are employed to fabricate these metamaterials using a wide range of materials and length scales. Experimental procedures are developed to investigate the manufacturability and the exhibited mechanical, thermal, and electrical response of these materials for a wide range of application in military, automotive, transportation, energy, and medical sectors.

AEROSPACE MATERIALS

The Aerospace Research and Innovation Center (ARIC) at Khalifa University was established in 2012 as a joint effort between Mubadala Aerospace and Khalifa University to undertake cutting-edge research in aerospace engineering.

The Center aligns itself with the strategic plan of Strata, a local composite aero-structures manufacturing operation. Its initial focus is based around two main activities, these being (i) manufacturing and characterizing the properties of new and novel lightweight materials and structures for use in advanced aerospace applications and (ii) the automated assembly of aerospace structures using robotic platforms. ARIC helps Strata to design and manufacture the next generation of high-performance aerospace structures.

The Center also acts as a global research hub by collaborating with leading universities across the world, developing research opportunities over a broad spectrum of areas, and assisting technology transfer and innovation possibilities across the aerospace sector.

ARIC houses a wide range of facilities, including advanced manufacturing equipment for the cost-effective production of aerospace components, testing and characterization facilities for evaluating the properties of materials, robots for automated assembly and advanced numerical capabilities for modeling complex manufacturing processes.

In addition, the center plays a key role in the education of future engineers in current and next generation advanced aerospace technologies. ARIC encourages undergraduates to get involved with ongoing research through senior design projects, internships, and independent study projects. Students also have the opportunity to spend time in overseas research laboratories and with leading aircraft manufacturers.