Engineering System Design and Transformation Research Group (ESDT)

We aim to encompass multidisciplinary simulation capabilities across engineering fields as out members conduct research in product design, electronics, mechanical, biomedical, manufacture and systems engineering.

Examples of research/projects:

• Dr Kahtan Aziz: applied linear and non-linear system modelling on the process control.
• Dr Hossein Bisheh: worked on an automatic generation of 3D micromechanical finite element model of bamboo fibre-reinforced composites with periodic boundary conditions.
• Dr Yingang Du: worked on the area of assessment and design of engineering structures under severe environments, including marine environments and/or in fire/high temperature and/or seismic zones.
• Dr Jennifer Martay: conducted modeling investigation into the safe correction zone for high tibial osteotomy.
• Dr Ahad Ramezanpour: developed an autonomous and reversible Inflow Vale Control system for oil extraction to prevent water and gas breakthroughs at the source.
• Prof Hassan Shirvani: conducts study of the nonlinear problems as applied to mechanical energy absorbers, from localised shell and panel buckling to simplified models with modified material cards that converge to an accurate solution in fraction of the time compared to regular nonlinear FE codes.
• Dr Sarinova Simanjuntak: investigated combined residual stresses and fluid-structure interaction finite element analysis on bent pipes.
• Dr Mohamed Yehia: modelling of flammable fuels in small and large scale turbulent environments.

Within this theme, our members share cross-disciplined research and knowledge in mechanics of materials and material processes and tribology. The research activity focuses on the design, testing and analysis, validation, and inspection of a wide range of materials and structures.

Examples of research/projects:

• Dr Hossein Bisheh: investigated micromechanical modelling and structural dynamics of natural fibre-reinforced composite materials and structures.
• Dr Sarinova Simanjuntak: studied on the effects of H2O interaction with rainscreen façade ACMs during fire exposure.
• Prof Hassan Shirvani: conducted Simulation of electrochemical machining processes (dynamic changing boundary FE analysis); tribological life cycle (wear and scuffing) analysis; and real-time engine liner ring tribological assessment/simulation .
• Dr Sheyda Labbaf: researched the synthesis and characterization of nanoparticles and investigations on their interaction with stem cells in vitro for applications in tissue regeneration.
• Dr Shabnam Sadeghi Esfahlani: investigated ballistic performance of polycarbonate and polymethyl methacrylate under normal and inclined dynamic impacts.

This theme extends from fundamental to applied research in intelligent system, adaptive control, and signal processing. The researchers within this theme focus on designing and enabling system automation utilizing intelligent robotics for applications such as health care, sports, structural / plants inspection and monitoring.

Examples of research / projects:

• Dr Kahtan Aziz: researched on Advanced Radio Resource Management Solutions for Multi Access Wireless and Mobile Technologies.
• Dr Shahzad Gishkori: researched on unsupervised Deep Basis Pursuit Based Resolution Enhancement for Forward Looking MIMO SAR Imaging.
• Dr Muhammad Naguib Bin Ahmad Nazri: researched the nonlinear state estimator for continuous stirred tank reactor using weighted point Kalman filter.
• Dr Alireza Sanaei: researched on tuning and optimization of an electric network frequency extraction algorithm.
• Dr Shabnam Sadeghi Esfahlani, Dr Alireza Sanaei, Prof Hassan Shirvani: The Deep Convolutional Neural Network Role in the Autonomous Navigation of Mobile Robots (SROBO).
• Dr Sarinova Simandjuntak: researched on low power and low current wireless sensor network for corrosion detection and monitoring of offshore wind turbine structures.

Figure: Corrosion monitoring on offshore wind turbine’s monopile (MP) – Transition Piece (TP) components after subjected to salt spray conditions.

The researchers within this theme employ and implement digital technologies and smart manufacturing including digital twin, additive manufacturing. Internet-of-Things (IoT), Augmented/Virtual Reality for engineering and system design and component/structure performance monitoring/analysis.

Examples of research / projects:

• Dr Habtom Mebrahtu: worked on modelling and performance analysis/optimisation of two engine assembly lines for the Ford Motor Company Research centre.
• Dr Sarinova Simanjuntak: Investigated fracture properties of the additively manufactured PLA using sub-size specimens.
• Dr Sarinova Simanjuntak: designed low power low current sensor network for corrosion detection and monitoring of offshore wind turbine structures.
• Dr Shabnam Sadeghi Esfahlani: ReHabgame stands out as an innovative home-based neuro-rehabilitation solution, incorporating the use of a foot pedal, Microsoft Kinect™, and Thalmic™ Labs Myo gesture control along with muscle activity armband.
• Dr Shabnam Sadeghi Esfahlani: worked on the Fusion of Artificial Intelligence - Fuzzy Logic, and Machine Learning in Neuro-Rehabilitation Video Games.

Supporting the sustainable development goals and net zero targets, our members conduct research in the renewable energy applications, energy management, risks and impact in relation to transformation to green fuel and carbon footprint.

Example of research/projects:

• Dr Peter Marshall: investigated fuel Injection Factors Affecting Engine Performance.
• Dr Habtom Mebrahtu: worked on scientific analysis and improvement of heating systems.
• Dr Ahad Ramezanpour's building energy analysis, carbon footprint calculations, and water/energy saving technologies in the built environment.
• Prof. Hassan Shirvani: researched on Fluid flow and convective heat transfer research focusing on the theory of convection in tube bundle cross flow optimisation and jet-flows.
• Dr Mohamed Yehia: conducted A Numerical Study of Decarbonizing Marine Gas Turbine Emissions Through Ammonia/Hydrogen Fuel Blends.
• Dr Sarinova Simanjuntak: investigated Drone swarming for autonomous offshore wind turbine inspection.
• Dr Shabnam Sadeghi Esfahlani: investigated Drone for autonomous navigation in dynamic environment using Image segmentation and Object detection.

• Innovate UK – Net Zero Living on User-Focused Design. ARU and Lylo Products. (April 2024 – March 2025). Contact: Dr Ahad Ramezanpour.

• Knowledge Transfer Partnerships (KTP): ARU and Munday and Cramer Limited (June 2024 – August 2026). Contact: Dr Ahad Ramezanpour
• Innovate UK, Anglia Ruskin University, and M G Electric (Colchester) Limited, Application number: 107023 (successful), 36 months. Arteriovenous Fistula Sensor \ Monitor (AVF). (Jul 2021- Jun 2024). Prof. Hassan Shirvani & Dr Shabnam Sadeghi Esfahlani
• Knowledge transfer partnerships (KTP): ARU and Transporter Engineering Limited. “To design a new bolt-on configuration for the front and rear pillars (identify mechanical integrity, composite adaptation, optimal design, embed new design and methodology. (Dec 2023 – Feb 2026). Contact: Prof. Hassan Shirvani & Dr Shabnam Sadeghi Esfahlani

See our facilities and watch a virtual tour.

Example of facilities: SLM EOS M290 – metal 3D printing

Dr Kahtan Aziz
Dr Hossein Bisheh
Dr Yingang Du
Dr Shahzad Gishkori
Dr Sheyda Labbaf
Dr Peter Marshall
Dr Jennifer Martay
Dr Habtom Mebrahtu
Dr Mohammad Naguib bin Ahmad Nazri
Dr Ahad Ramenzapour
Dr Shabnam Sadeghi-Esfahlani
Dr Alireza Sanaei
Prof. Hassan Shirvani
Dr Sarinova Simanjuntak
Dr Mohammed Yehia

• Aliu, Azeez
• Alrabie, Mohammad
• Aninwene, Onyinye
• Antwi, John Pascal
• Chacko, Kevin
• Iwowari, Dikuro
• Mohaghegh, Vahaj
• Oladosu, Abimbola
• Qashou, Akram
• Samuel, Rosaliyo
• Uzoechi, Kingsley
• Nwafor, Bariadohra
• Ehtemam, Houriyeh
• Beardmore, James
• Ajala, Michael

DProf candidate

• Stojkovic, Miroslav