Mechanical Engineering Assistant

AHMED I. EL-GHANDOUR

**** *. ******* ***., *******, IL, 60616. 312-***-****. **********@*****.***

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/Ahmed-El-Ghandour HIGHLIGHTS OF QUALIFICATIONS

• More than 8 years of professional engineering and R&D experience as Structural Analysis Engineer

• Broad expertise in solving problems of structural, thermal heat conduction (transient and steady state), static, dynamic, and nonlinear nature using ANSYS-APDL scripting.

• Experience using Finite Element Analysis (FEA) and MBS software separately and coupled. Extensive experience in programming using Matlab and good knowledge of Fortran

• Very well trained and motivated to work as an individual and as a team player EDUCATION

Ph.D., Civil Engineering, the University of Illinois at Chicago (UIC) GPA: 4.0/4.0. (2011-2016)

M.Sc., Mechanical Engineering, the University of Illinois at Chicago (UIC) GPA 4.0/4.0. (2009-2010)

B.Sc., Mechanical Engineering, Cairo University, Egypt. GPA: 3.7/4.0. (1999-2004)

SOFTWARE EXPERIENCE

Programming: MATLAB (+7years experience), APDL (ANSYS) (5 years), FORTRAN (1 year), Python (basics) CAE/FEA: ANSYS (6 years experience) (Classic- Workbench), Scripting using PDL (6 years) LS-DYNA (2 years), COMSOL (Familiar), Hypermesh (Familiar)

MBS: SAMS, VAMPIRE

CAD: SOLIDWORKS, AutoCAD, INVENTOR

WORK EXPERIENCE

UIC, Computational Mechanics Lab (CML), Prof. Craig Foster, Chicago, IL (Aug 2009 – Dec 2016) Research Assistant

• Analyzed the railroad bridge approach problem by building a full 3D finite element model of the rail system using ANSYS APDL, SAMS (MBS code), and MATLAB

• Applied a successful solution by implementing concrete slab at the critical zone that improved the performance of the rail system, which successfully reduces the maintenance cost of the rails and improves the ride comfort

• Achieved a faster performance of the model by coupling FEM and MBS in one framework that can save time, and facilitate creating more complicated FE models

• Performed a thermal analysis for a heat conduction problem using APDL scripting for nano-scale work verification

• Improved the stiffness performance of the bridge approach zone using the suggested solution, and the FE model verified the effectiveness of the solution

• Implemented the thermal element to an in-house MATLAB FE code

• Tested and implemented an MBS algorithm, built using FORTRAN, which implements C3 continuity on beam elements. This algorithm was successfully implemented in a commercial MBS code

• Verified the experimental results of thermometry platforms by creating a full 3D thermal FE model Teaching Assistant

• Trained students to build FE models and to perform efficient structural and thermal analysis

• Co-supervised M.Sc. and undergrad students’ projects GE Global Research Center, Niskayuna, NY (May 2014 –Aug 2014) Engineering Summer Intern

• Worked in a design and analysis engineering team to design a new circuit breaker Ahmed El-Ghandour, Page 2

• Performed a detailed nonlinear finite element analysis using ANSYS workbench and SOLIDWORKS

• Verified/eliminated some of the design modifications suggested to the new device based on the CAD/CAE 2D and 3D models analysis as compared to the current design

SHARMA & ASSOCIATES, INC, Chicago, IL (May 2013 –Aug 2013) Engineering Summer Intern

• Investigated the VAMPIRE© flexible track implementation for railroad models by studying the stiffness specification parameters to be used in building vehicle models

• Prepared a technical report to help the engineers to decide effectively which stiffness to be added in the future vehicle models for dynamic vehicle performance

Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt (Aug 2004 - July 2009) Research Assistant

• Investigated the deep drawing process of sheet metal with an emphasis on the sheet thickness, drawing ratio, and the process nonlinearity using LS-DYNA explicit solver

• Performed an optimization analysis on the FE model of the deep drawing process to investigate its main parameters

• Developed an automated MATLAB code to run the LS-DYNA FE model and apply the optimization procedure Teaching Assistant

• Supervised hands-on training for the students on using CNC machine for the materials machining course

• Developed FE model using LS-DYNA which was used in teaching the materials machining course for senior students

• Supervised different undergrad students’ projects COURSE WORK

Finite Element Analysis, Nonlinear Finite Element, Structural Dynamics, Plasticity, Numerical Methods, Railroad Vehicle Dynamics, Computer Analysis/Multibody System, Dynamics of Mechanical Systems, Intermediate Vibration Theory PUBLICATIONS

• P. Yasaei, A. Fathizadeh, R. Hantehzadeh, A. K. Majee, A. I. El-Ghandour, D. Estrada, C. D. Foster, Z. Aksamija, F. Khalili-Araghi, and A. Salehi-Khojin. “Bimodal Phonon Scattering in Graphene Grain Boundaries”. Nano letters,(2015)

• A. I. El-Ghandour, M. B. Hamper, and C. D. Foster. "Coupled finite element and multibody system dynamics modeling of a three-dimensional railroad system." Proceedings of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers, Part F: Journal of Rail and Rapid Transit (2014)

• A. Shabana, A. I. El-Ghandour, and K. E. Zaazaa. “Study of the Effect of the Spiral Geometry on Wheel/Rail Contact Forces”, Journal of Multi-body Dynamics, 225(2), (2011), 111-125

• S. Wifi, T. F. Abdelmaguid, and A. I. El-Ghandour. ”A Review of the Optimization Techniques Applied To the Deep Drawing Process”. Proceedings of the 37th International Conference on Computers and Industrial Engineering, Alexandria, Egypt, (2007)

AWARDS

• Winner of First place in the 2016 National University Rail Center (NURail) 3-min thesis presentation competition

• Winner of the AAAEA scholarship (Arab American Association of Engineers and Architects) (2011, 2012, and 2013) A merit-based scholarship awarded to prominent student members based on their academic performance

• Cairo University scholarship for academic distinction (2001 to 2004) EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES

• Taekwondo referee and instructor in USA and Egypt

• Member of the Toastmasters student organization at UIC (Competent Communicator Certified)

• Volunteer at the Egyptians Abroad for Development (EAD), a non-profit organization founded to help the educational system in Egypt

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