Behnam Sobhaniaragh

Dr Behnam Sobhaniaragh is a Lecturer (Assistant Professor) in Mechanical Engineering at Teesside University, affiliated with the School of Computing, Engineering and Digital Technologies. He holds a PhD from Ghent University and a DSc from UFRJ, Brazil, and is a Chartered Engineer (CEng) with IMechE and a Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (FHEA).

• PhD in Electro-Mechanical Engineering, Ghent University, Belgium
• Doctorate of Science (DSc) in Computational Mechanics, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), Brazil
• Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees inferred from academic trajectory in Mechanical/Electro-Mechanical Engineering

His research focuses on computational mechanics of lightweight and sustainable materials, with expertise in fracture mechanics, phase-field modeling, hydrogen embrittlement, and multifunctional materials. He investigates material behavior under multiphysics conditions, contributing to Net Zero goals through advanced modeling of structural integrity and degradation. His work bridges solid mechanics, materials science, and physics, emphasizing durability and efficiency.

The analysis of his recent publications reveals a strong trend in phase-field modeling of fracture, functionally graded and nanocomposite materials, thermo-mechanical coupling, and sustainable material systems. His research integrates finite element methods, micromechanical modeling, and data-driven approaches to simulate crack propagation, stability, and performance in advanced engineering materials, particularly under extreme or coupled environmental conditions.

His scientific recognition includes:

• Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (FHEA)
• Chartered Engineer (CEng), Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE)
• Recipient of the prestigious FAPESP postdoctoral fellowship in Brazil
• Best DSc Thesis Award in the Department of Civil Engineering, UFRJ

Dr Sobhaniaragh actively supervises MSc and BEng final year projects and is accepting PhD students. He leads the research project Microstructural Integrity of Shape Memory Alloys used in Elastocaloric Refrigeration, funded by the Newton Fund. He serves as a guest editor for special issues on Programmable Metamaterials and Phase-Field Modeling, and is a reviewer for over 20 international journals including Computer Methods in Applied Mechanics and Engineering and Engineering Fracture Mechanics.

He contributes to academic leadership as Module Leader for Machine Design, Continuum Mechanics, and Aircraft Structures, and as tutor for several core engineering modules. His research group focuses on computational modeling of material degradation and smart structures, collaborating internationally with institutions in Germany, Brazil, and the UK.