Wael Abdel Samad
Department Chair, Associate Professor
RIT Dubai
Education
BE, American University of Beirut (Lebanon), Mechanical Engineering (2007); MSc, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Mechanical Engineering (2009); Ph.D., University of Wisconsin-Madison, Mechanical Engineering (2013)
Bio
Dr. Wael A. Samad holds the position of Associate Professor of Mechanical Engineering and serves as the Chair of the Department of Mechanical & Industrial Engineering at the Rochester Institute of Technology - Dubai Campus. He obtained his Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering, accompanied by a minor in Engineering Mechanics & Astronautics, from the University of Wisconsin - Madison in 2013. Dr. Samad also completed his MSc in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Wisconsin - Madison in 2009 and received his BE in Mechanical Engineering from the American University of Beirut in 2007.
Throughout his research endeavors, Dr. Samad has delved into areas such as Experimental Solid Mechanics, Smart Cities, and Material Characterization of 3D Printed Artefacts. His commitment is demonstrated in the extensive array of over 50 publications he has authored, encompassing peer-reviewed journals, book chapters, and conference proceedings. Among his contributions is an edited volume focused on Smart Cities in the Gulf.
Since setting foot in the UAE almost ten years ago, Dr. Samad has been proactive in forging collaborations with prominent local industries. Notably, his work with Emirates Global Aluminum has played a pivotal role in projects that aim to extend the lifespan of ingot molds, promoting a more sustainable aluminum production in the Emirates.
Select Scholarship
BOOKS
- W. A. Samad (Lead editor), A. Badran & E. Azar (2024) "Carbon Neutrality in the GCC: Between Good-Intentioned Pledges and the Harsh Reality" book proposal accepted by Cambridge University Press
- W. A. Samad (Lead editor) & E. Azar (2018) "Smart Cities in the Gulf: Current State, Opportunities and Challenge" Palgrave McMillan, ISBN: 978-9811320101
JOURNAL PAPERS
- J. van der Heijde, W. A. Samad (2023) “The Effect of Specimen Thickness on the Lüders Phenomena in AISI 1524 Steel Alloy: Experimental Observations using DIC” Journal of Experimental Mechanics, Volume 63, Issue 5, 885–896
- S. Ali, S. Abdullah, D. Devjani, J. Joel, W. A. Samad & S. Pervaiz (2022) “Effect of Build Parameters and Strain Rate on Mechanical Properties of 3D Printed PLA using DIC and Desirability Function Analysis” Rapid Prototyping, Volume 29, Issue 1, 92 - 111
- S. Pervaiz & W. A. Samad (2021) “Drilling Force Characterization during Inconel 718 Drilling: A Comparative Study between Numerical and Analytical Approaches” Materials, Special Issue Numerical Modeling for Simulation of Different Processes in Manufacturing, Volume 14, Issue 17, 4820
- A. A. Khaja & W. A. Samad (2020), “Hybrid Digital Image Correlation” Journal of Engineering Mechanics, Volume 146, Issue 4, Publisher: American Society of Civil Engineers
- M. Zia, S. Pervaiz, S. Anwar & W. A. Samad (2019) “Sustainability Interpretation of Electrical Discharge Machining Process using Triple Bottom Line Approach” International Journal of Precision Engineering & Manufacturing-Green Technology, Volume 6, Issue 5, 931 - 945
- M. Shehata, T. Hatem & W. A. Samad (2019) “Build Orientation in Direct Laser Sintering of 17-4PH Stainless Steel” Journal of 3D printing and Additive Manufacturing, Volume 6, Issue 4, 227 - 233
- W. A. Samad & R.E. Rowlands (2017) “Individual Stress Determination in Irregularly Perforated Unsymmetrically-loaded Structures from Temperature Data” Journal of Aerospace Science and Technology, Volume 63, 91 - 99
- S. Paneerselvam, W. A. Samad, R. Venkatesh, K. W. Song, R. F. El-Hajjar & R. E. Rowlands (2017) “Displacement-Based Experimental Stress Analysis of Perforated Asymmetrical Structures” Journal of Experimental Mechanics, Volume 57, Issue 1, 129 – 142
- S. J. Lin, W. A. Samad, A. A. Khaja & R. E. Rowlands (2014) “Hybrid Thermoelastic Stress Analysis”, Infra-red Imaging and Thermomechanics” Special Issue of the Journal of Experimental Mechanics. Volume 55, Issue 4, 653 - 665
- W. A. Samad & R. E. Rowlands (2014) “Full-Field Thermoelastic Stress Analysis of a Finite Structure Containing an Irregularly-Shaped Hole” Journal of Experimental Mechanics, Volume 54, Issue 3, 457 - 469
- W. A. Samad, A. A. Khaja, A. R. Kaliyanda & R. E. Rowlands (2014) “Hybrid Thermoelastic Stress Analysis of a Pinned Joint” Journal of Experimental Mechanics, Volume 54, Issue 4, 515 - 525
- W. A. Samad & K. Suresh (2011) “CAD-Integrated Analysis of 3-D Beams: A Surface-Integration Approach” Journal of Engineering with Computers. Volume 27, No. 3, 201-210
Currently Teaching
ISEE-792
Engineering Capstone
3 Credits
Students must investigate a discipline-related topic in industrial and systems engineering. The general intent of the engineering capstone is to demonstrate the students' knowledge of the integrative aspects of a particular area. The capstone should draw upon skills and knowledge acquired in the program.
MECE-205
Dynamics
3 Credits
A basic course in the kinematics and kinetics of particles and rigid bodies. Newton's Laws and the theorems of work-energy and impulse momentum are applied to a variety of particle problems. Systems of particles are employed to transition to the analysis of rigid body problems. Absolute and relative motion are used to investigate the kinematics and kinetics of systems of rigid bodies. Newton's Laws are applied to a variety of two-dimensional rigid body problems.
MECE-317
Numerical Methods
3 Credits
This course entails the study of numerical methods as utilized to model and solve engineering problems on a computing device. Students learn to implement, analyze and interpret numerical solutions to a variety of mathematical problems commonly encountered in engineering applications. Topics include roots of algebraic and transcendental equations, linear systems, curve fitting, numerical differentiation and integration, and ordinary differential equations. Applications are taken from student's background in engineering, science and mathematics courses.
MECE-320
System Dynamics
3 Credits
This required course introduces the student to lumped parameter system modeling, analysis and design. The determination and solution of differential equations that model system behavior is a vital aspect of the course. System response phenomena are characterized in both time and frequency domains and evaluated based on performance criteria. Laboratory exercises enhance student proficiency with model simulation, basic instrumentation, data acquisition, data analysis, and model validation.
MECE-499
Cooperative Education
0 Credits
Nominally three months of full-time, paid employment in the mechanical engineering field.
MECE-544
Introduction To Composite Materials
3 Credits
This course is an introductory course to the fundamentals and applications of composite materials. Topics covered include constituents of composite materials, fabrication techniques, micromechanical analysis, macromechanical analysis, and the use of composites in design. Some laboratory work is to be performed, and a design project is required.
MECE-605
Finite Elements
3 Credits
This course focuses upon theoretical and applied concepts pertaining to the finite element method. Direct and weighted residual formulation methods are derived and applied to problems in the area of structural analysis, fluid flow, and heat transfer. Foundational topics include shape functions, element formulation, element assembly, boundary conditions, matrix solution methods, mesh refinement, and convergence. The use of a standard commercial finite element software package is introduced.
MECE-644
Introduction To Composite Materials
3 Credits
This course is an introductory course to the fundamentals and applications of composite materials. Topics covered include constituents of composite materials, fabrication techniques, micromechanical analysis, macromechanical analysis, and the use of composites in design. Some laboratory work is to be performed, and a design project is required.
MECE-790
Thesis
0 - 6 Credits
Thesis In conference with an adviser, a topic is chosen. Periodic progress reports and a final written document with an oral examination are required.
MECE-792
Project with Paper
3 Credits
This course is used by students in the master of engineering degree program for conducting an independent project. The student must demonstrate an acquired competence in an appropriate topic within mechanical engineering. The topic is chosen in conference with a faculty adviser. The work may involve an independent research and/or a design project and/or literature search with a demonstration of acquired skill. A written paper, approved by the advisor and the department, and an oral presentation of the work are required.