Sergios Villette | Mechanical Engineering | Best Researcher Award

Mr. Sergios Villette | Mechanical Engineering | Best Researcher Award

MEng, PhD Candidate Researcher, LTT/NTUA, Greece

Alexandros Alexiou is a mechanical engineer and researcher specializing in sustainable aviation fuel technologies and aeroengine combustion modeling. He is currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering at the National Technical University of Athens (NTUA), focusing on the experimental evaluation and modeling of alternative fuels in aircraft engines. His research involves aeroengine combustion chamber modeling, uncertainty quantification in aerodynamics, and innovative propulsion systems. Alexandros has collaborated on major projects with industry leaders such as SAFRAN Group and HELPE Group. With expertise in CFD simulations, mechanical design, and programming, he has contributed to the advancement of bio-kerosene utilization and non-conventional combustion. He has published in peer-reviewed journals, including Aerospace, where his work was featured on the journal cover. In addition to his research, he has experience as a tutor, robotics teacher, and machinist, demonstrating his diverse technical and academic expertise.

Profile.

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Education

Alexandros Alexiou is currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering at the National Technical University of Athens (NTUA), focusing on sustainable aviation fuel technologies in aircraft propulsion systems. His doctoral research is funded by NTUA’s Special Account for Research Grants Scholarship. He holds a Master’s & Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering from NTUA, specializing in Air and Ground Transfer Vehicles, with a GPA of 7.8/10. During his undergraduate studies, he conducted a diploma thesis on aerodynamic uncertainty quantification at the Parallel CFD & Optimization Unit (PCOpt) of LTT/NTUA, utilizing OpenFOAM and in-house codes. He completed his high school education at the 2nd General Lyceum of Corfu, achieving a GPA of 19.3/20. His strong academic foundation in aerodynamics, propulsion, and computational simulations has prepared him for cutting-edge research in aviation fuels, energy efficiency, and combustion modeling.

Experience 

Alexandros Alexiou is a Research Associate at the Laboratory of Thermal Turbomachines (LTT), NTUA, specializing in aeroengine combustion modeling and alternative fuel technologies. His research includes developing PROOSIS models for water evaporation and hydrogen combustion in collaboration with SAFRAN Group. He has also worked on the Lipid4fuel project, investigating bio-kerosene use in aircraft engines. Beyond research, Alexandros has diverse professional experience. He worked as a freelance tutor for engineering courses, a STEM/robotics teacher for primary school students, and a restaurant waiter during summer seasons. His technical background includes hands-on experience as a welder-machinist at Machine Shop L. Zorbas, gaining practical skills in mechanical fabrication. His expertise in CFD simulations, mechanical design, and programming allows him to contribute effectively to the advancement of sustainable aviation fuels and innovative propulsion systems. His interdisciplinary approach bridges engineering theory and practical applications in aviation and energy research.

Awards & Honors 

Alexandros Alexiou has received multiple prestigious awards in science and engineering competitions. In 2015, he was honored by the Association of Greek Chemists for his outstanding performance in the 29th National Chemistry Competition, securing an 85/100 score. In 2015, he placed 20th in the “Aristotle” National Physics Competition, earning recognition from the Association of Greek Physicists. He also received an award from the Hellenic Mathematical Society for his success in the “Thalis” National Mathematical Competition in 2014, showcasing his analytical and problem-solving skills. In addition to academic awards, he holds a DALF C2 certification in French from the Ministère de l’Éducation Nationale de la République Française and a Certificate of Proficiency in English (CPE) from the University of Cambridge, demonstrating bilingual proficiency. His achievements reflect a strong foundation in STEM disciplines, positioning him as a rising expert in mechanical engineering and aviation research.

Research Focus 

Alexandros Alexiou’s research focuses on sustainable aviation fuel technologies, aeroengine combustion modeling, and uncertainty quantification in aerodynamics. His Ph.D. work at NTUA involves experimental evaluation and modeling of biofuels and hydrogen-based propulsion systems, aiming to develop eco-friendly alternatives to conventional jet fuels. He specializes in computational fluid dynamics (CFD), chemical reactor networks, and non-intrusive uncertainty quantification for optimizing aircraft engine performance and emissions reduction. His expertise extends to hydrogen combustion modeling, bio-kerosene integration, and advanced propulsion systems. Alexandros has actively contributed to industry-driven projects, including SAFRAN’s PROOSIS modeling for hydrogen combustion and the Lipid4fuel project, a collaborative effort to assess bio-kerosene applications in aviation. His research integrates simulation tools such as OpenFOAM, ANSYS, and Cantera with experimental testing and industrial collaboration, driving innovation in green aviation technologies. His work aims to shape the future of sustainable air transportation and next-generation propulsion systems.

Publications

 

📖 Villette S, Adam D, Alexiou A, Aretakis N, Mathioudakis K. A Simplified Chemical Reactor Network Approach for Aeroengine Combustion Chamber Modeling and Preliminary Design. Aerospace. 2024; 11(1):22. 🔗 DOI (🌟 Journal Cover Feature)

📜 Diploma Thesis: Non-intrusive Polynomial Chaos Expansion for Aerodynamic Uncertainty Quantification & Robust Design with Manufacturing Uncertainties. Advisor: K. C. Giannakoglou, NTUA (2022).

Conclusion

The candidate demonstrates exceptional research potential in mechanical engineering and sustainable aviation fuels, making them a strong contender for the Best Researcher Award. Their work in combustion chamber modeling, bio-kerosene usage, and computational mechanics aligns with cutting-edge research trends.

Wenjie Ma | Materials and Structures | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Wenjie Ma | Materials and Structures | Best Researcher Award

lecturer, Lanzhou Jiaotong University , China

Dr. Wenjie Ma is a lecturer at Lanzhou Jiaotong University specializing in geotechnical engineering. He earned his Ph.D. from Tongji University and focuses on pile-soil interaction, unsaturated soil dynamics, and numerical methods. His research integrates fractional-order viscoelastic models to enhance foundation design in complex soil conditions. Dr. Ma has published extensively in SCI-indexed journals, contributed to national research projects, and collaborated internationally. He is a board member of the International Journal of Geotechnical Engineering and an active member of professional societies. His work significantly impacts geotechnical modeling and seismic response studies.

Profile

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Education: 🎓

Ph.D. in Geotechnical Engineering from Tongji University, specializing in pile-soil interaction and numerical modeling | 🎓 Master’s Degree in Civil Engineering, focusing on soil dynamics and foundation stability | 🎓 Bachelor’s Degree in Civil Engineering, emphasizing structural mechanics and soil mechanics | 📚 Completed advanced coursework in unsaturated soil mechanics, seismic engineering, and computational geomechanics | 🎖️ Received specialized training in fractional-order viscoelastic models and dynamic analysis of foundation systems.

Experience: 👨‍🏫

Lecturer at Lanzhou Jiaotong University, teaching geotechnical engineering and numerical modeling | 🏗️ Researcher in geotechnical engineering, focusing on pile dynamics and soil-structure interaction | 🔬 Led two major national research projects on seismic response and soil mechanics | 🤝 Collaborated with Nanyang Technological University and National Natural Science Foundation of China on high-impact research | 🏢 Involved in five consultancy and industry projects related to foundation design and geotechnical assessments | 📝 Published 19 SCI-indexed journal articles and contributed to international geotechnical conferences.

Awards and Honors: 🏆

China Railway Society Science and Technology Special Prize for outstanding research in geotechnical engineering | 🎖️ Recognized as a promising young scientist in soil mechanics and foundation engineering | 📜 Recipient of multiple research grants from the National Natural Science Foundation of China | 🏅 Awarded for excellence in academic research and innovation in geotechnical modeling | 🌍 Honored for international collaborations and contributions to seismic engineering studies | 📚 Acknowledged for editorial contributions to the International Journal of Geotechnical Engineering.

Research Focus: 🏗️

Pile-soil interaction and dynamic behavior of foundations in unsaturated soils | 📈 Application of fractional-order viscoelastic models in soil mechanics | 🔬 Seismic response analysis of foundation systems under dynamic loading | 🏛️ Geotechnical modeling and advanced numerical methods for soil structure interaction | 🏢 Development of innovative foundation solutions for complex geotechnical conditions | 🌍 International research collaborations to improve engineering resilience in seismic-prone regions.

Publications 

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Dynamic Torsional Response of Pile in Fractional‐Order Viscoelastic Unsaturated Transversely Isotropic Soil With Imperfect Contact

Torsional response of pile partially embedded in fractional-order viscoelastic unsaturated transversely isotropic soil

Torsional vibration of a pipe pile in unsaturated cross-anisotropic soil based on the fractional viscoelastic model

Conclusion

Dr. Wenjie Ma is an outstanding candidate for the Best Researcher Award, with a well-rounded profile of high-impact research, innovation, and academic leadership. His groundbreaking work in unsaturated soil dynamics and pile-soil interaction, coupled with his strong professional engagements and industry collaborations, makes him a deserving nominee. With further interdisciplinary expansion and international recognition, he could further solidify his standing as a leading global expert in geotechnical engineering.