Prof. Usama Khashaba | Polymeric Composite Materials | Distinguished Scientist Award
Professor at King Abdulaziz University, Saudi Arabia
Prof. Usama Abdel-Moneim Khashaba is a renowned academic and researcher in the field of mechanical design and production engineering, currently serving as a Professor at King Abdulaziz University in Saudi Arabia. With a distinguished academic career spanning over three decades, Prof. Khashaba has contributed significantly to the advancement of composite materials, fatigue behavior, and structural design, especially in fiber-reinforced polymers (FRP). He has held key positions at Zagazig University in Egypt and Albaha University in Saudi Arabia, and his global recognition includes repeated inclusion in Stanford University’s list of the world’s top 2% scientists from 2019 to 2024. His interdisciplinary research and impactful scientific output have made him a leader in experimental mechanics and advanced materials.
Profile
Education
Prof. Khashaba holds a Ph.D. in Industrial Engineering and Production from Zagazig University, Egypt, where his dissertation focused on factors affecting fatigue strength in fiber-reinforced polymer composites. He obtained his M.Sc. in Mechanical Design and Power from the same university, researching the impact of tool rigidity and workpiece mounting on vibration and product accuracy. He began his academic journey with a B.Sc. in Mechanical Engineering from Zagazig University. His academic foundation is strongly grounded in experimental mechanics, production engineering, and materials science.
Experience
Prof. Khashaba began his academic career as a teaching assistant in 1985 and progressed steadily through lecturer, assistant professor, and associate professor roles before becoming a full professor in 2004. His expertise led to international recognition, resulting in appointments at Albaha University and later at King Abdulaziz University. Over the years, he has led numerous research teams, supervised graduate theses, and served as principal investigator on multiple high-impact projects. His teaching and mentoring contributions span mechanical systems design, fatigue analysis, composite materials, and modern manufacturing technologies.
Research Interests
Prof. Khashaba’s research focuses on the mechanical behavior of composite structures, fatigue analysis of bolted and bonded joints, nano-reinforced polymeric materials, and advanced drilling techniques for FRP composites. His interdisciplinary work combines theoretical modeling, experimental validation, and advanced imaging techniques like laser speckle interferometry. He also explores the role of nanoparticles such as MWCNTs, graphene, and alumina in enhancing mechanical and damping properties of composites. Recently, his focus has expanded into automated analysis through image processing, contributing significantly to the field of intelligent material characterization.
Awards
rof. Khashaba has consistently been ranked among the world’s top 2% scientists by Stanford University from 2019 to 2024 based on standardized citation metrics. This prestigious recognition reflects his consistent scientific impact, innovation, and leadership in mechanical engineering. Additionally, he has secured over 25 research grants from esteemed institutions such as the U.S.–Egypt Joint Board (NSF), King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology, and King Abdulaziz University. His funded work has tackled critical challenges in nanocomposite design, fatigue behavior, and damage analysis in FRP structures, further cementing his status as a top-tier researcher.
Publications
Among his notable publications, the following seven stand out:
“Effect of drilling parameters on the mechanical performance of GFRP composites” published in Composites Part A: Applied Science and Manufacturing (2006), cited by over 450 articles.
“Fatigue behavior of bolted joints in GFRP composites under varying environmental conditions” in Composite Structures (2008), cited by 300+ articles.
“Machining-induced damage and fatigue life of GFRP laminates” in International Journal of Fatigue (2010), cited by 280+.
“Nano-reinforcement effects on damping properties of hybrid composites” in Materials Science and Engineering A (2012), with more than 320 citations.
“Development of self-damping MWCNT-modified epoxy composites” in Polymer Composites (2014), cited 250+ times.
“Image-based analysis of chip and burr formation in drilling FRP composites” in Measurement (2018), cited by 180+.
“Mechanical performance of scarf joints reinforced with nanofillers” in Journal of Composite Materials (2021), cited by over 120 scholarly articles.
Conclusion
Prof. Usama Khashaba exemplifies excellence in research, leadership, and scientific innovation in mechanical and production engineering. His pioneering work on composite materials, coupled with his dedication to mentoring and academic service, has had a transformative impact on the field. With a sustained record of high-impact publications, prestigious rankings, and successful collaborative research projects, he is a deserving nominee for the Excellence in Research Award. His work continues to inspire advancements in material science, structural integrity, and sustainable engineering design.