Ivo Draganov | Numerical modeling | Best Researcher Award

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Mr. Ivo Draganov | Numerical modeling | Best Researcher Award

Assistant Professor at University of Ruse, Bulgaria

Summary:

Dr. Ivo Draganov is an accomplished mechanical engineer and academic with over 15 years of experience in both industry and academia. Currently an Assistant Professor at the University of Ruse “Angel Kanchev,” he combines his extensive knowledge of solid mechanics and structural analysis with a passion for teaching and advancing mechanical engineering research. Dr. Draganov’s expertise in the finite element method and his industrial experience contribute to his reputation as a leading specialist in applied mechanics in Bulgaria.

Professional Profile:

👩‍🎓Education:

Dr. Ivo Draganov earned his Ph.D. in Solid Mechanics from the University of Ruse “Angel Kanchev” in 2005, with his research focusing on the Application of Finite Element Method for Investigation of Stress and Strain State in Helical Bodies. He also holds a Master of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering from the same institution (2001), where he specialized in the finite element method, dynamics of machinery, and structural analysis. His master’s thesis focused on the Calculation of Bus Suspension by the Finite Element Method.

🏢 Professional Experience:

Since 2008, Dr. Draganov has been serving as an Assistant Professor at the University of Ruse “Angel Kanchev” in Bulgaria, where he teaches courses in Applied Mechanics, Mechanics of Materials, Finite Element Method, and Applied Theory of Elasticity and Plasticity. Prior to his academic role, he gained substantial experience in industry at Sparky AD in Ruse, Bulgaria, where he held various positions including Department Manager of Industrial Outsourcing, Outsourcing Coordinator, and Designer-Technologist. His responsibilities ranged from managing subcontractor activities and coordinating outsourcing efforts to preparing technological documentation and introducing new technological solutions for production.

Research Interests:

Dr. Draganov’s primary research interests lie in solid mechanics, particularly the application of the finite element method (FEM) for analyzing stress, strain, and structural behavior in complex materials and mechanical systems. His work includes investigating stress distributions and optimizing mechanical components using FEM, as well as exploring applied theory in elasticity and plasticity.

Author Metrics:

Dr. Draganov has authored and co-authored several research papers and technical reports in solid mechanics, primarily focused on FEM applications and structural optimization. His publications contribute to advancements in stress analysis methodologies and the development of practical solutions for mechanical design. Specific author metrics and publication details can be provided upon request.

Top Noted Publication:

Multi-Criteria Calibration of a Thermo-Mechanical Model of Steel Plate Welding in Vacuum

  • Journal: Journal of Manufacturing and Materials Processing
  • Date: 2024-10-05
  • DOI: 10.3390/jmmp8050225
  • Contributors: Ivo Draganov, Venko Vitliemov, Yuliyan Angelov, Stiliyana Mileva, Nikolay Ferdinandov, Danail Gospodinov, Rossen Radev
  • Description: This study presents a calibrated thermo-mechanical model for steel plate welding under vacuum conditions, using a multi-criteria approach to enhance prediction accuracy and application reliability.

Finite Element Modeling and Verification of the Plunge Stage in Friction Stir Welding

  • Journal: Materials Science Forum
  • Date: 2023-08-28
  • DOI: 10.4028/p-x4FWYY
  • Contributors: Ivo Draganov, Danail Gospodinov, Rossen Radev, Nikolay Ferdinandov
  • Description: This paper explores finite element modeling of the plunge stage in friction stir welding, providing insights into the thermal and mechanical behaviors during the initial welding process.

Comparison of Two Numerical Models for Friction Stir Welding

  • Journal: Defect and Diffusion Forum
  • Date: 2022-05-27
  • DOI: 10.4028/p-xbmg1c
  • Contributors: Ivo Draganov, Nikolay Ferdinandov
  • Description: This study compares two numerical models for friction stir welding, evaluating their efficacy in simulating temperature distribution and material flow during the welding process.

Finite Element Modeling of Laser Aluminum Marking

  • Journal: Journal of Physics: Conference Series
  • Date: 2021
  • DOI: 10.1088/1742-6596/1859/1/012017
  • Contributors: Lazov, L., Angelov, N., Draganov, I., Atanasov, A., Lengerov, A., Teirumnieks, E., Balchev, I.
  • Description: This conference paper focuses on the finite element modeling of laser marking on aluminum surfaces, with an emphasis on optimizing marking quality through controlled parameters.

Conclusion:

Dr. Ivo Draganov’s research achievements and academic contributions make him a strong candidate for the Best Researcher Award. His expertise in finite element modeling, particularly in welding and material behavior, addresses key challenges in mechanical engineering and has significant implications for industrial processes. His unique combination of industry experience and academic leadership adds further value to his contributions, positioning him as an influential researcher in applied mechanics. By continuing to expand his research scope and increase his international visibility, Dr. Draganov can enhance his standing as a leading expert in his field, making him a highly deserving candidate for this award.

 

 

Daniel Mutia Mwendwa | Energy Systems | Best Researcher Award

Posted on by Best Paper Award

Mr. Daniel Mutia Mwendwa | Energy Systems | Best Researcher Award

Daniel Mutia Mwendwa at University of Oxford, United Kingdom

Summary:

Daniel Mutia Mwendwa is a Rhodes Scholar currently pursuing a DPhil in Engineering Science at the University of Oxford, where his research focuses on geospatial analysis of solar-powered irrigation systems in Sub-Saharan Africa. He holds an MSc in Energy Systems (Distinction) from Oxford and a BEng (First Class Honours) in Electronics and Electrical Engineering from the University of Edinburgh. Co-founder of BuniTek, he is dedicated to introducing technology to African youth. Daniel also works as a Research Assistant in the Climate Compatible Growth Programme, contributing to energy planning in Kenya and global green hydrogen initiatives.

Professional Profile:

👩‍🎓Education:

University of Oxford, UK (2023 – Present)
DPhil in Engineering Science (Rhodes Scholar)

  • Thesis Topic: Geospatial analysis of solar-powered irrigation in Sub-Saharan Africa, focusing on the water, energy, and food nexus.

University of Oxford, UK (2021 – 2022)
MSc in Energy Systems (Distinction, Rhodes Scholar)

  • Thesis: Developed a geospatial methodology for sizing and costing solar-powered irrigation systems for different crops.

University of Edinburgh, UK (2017 – 2021)
BEng (Hons) in Electronics and Electrical Engineering (First Class Honours, MasterCard Foundation Scholar)

  • Thesis: Developed an optimized hybrid energy storage system (HESS) combining battery storage, hydrogen fuel cells, and supercapacitors using MATLAB Simulink.

🏢 Professional Experience:

Rhodes Trust, Oxford, UK (Mar 2024 – Present)
Rhodes Scholarship Ambassador for East Africa

  • Engages with universities across East Africa to introduce students to the Rhodes Scholarship and supports their application process.

University of Oxford, Oxford, UK (Mar 2022 – Present)
Research Assistant, Climate Compatible Growth Programme

  • Developed least-cost electrification pathways for Kenyan counties using the Open-Source Spatial Electrification Tool (OnSSET). Conducted capacity-building workshops on energy planning models like OSeMOSYS and IRENA’s Flextool. Also involved in geospatial modeling of green hydrogen production potential globally.

Loughborough University, Nairobi, Kenya (Nov 2022 – Present)
Research Consultant

  • Designed off-grid electrification solutions for poultry farming and health facilities. Authored academic papers on energy planning and developed funding proposals.

BuniTek, Nairobi, Kenya (Jun 2020 – Present)
Co-Founder

  • Co-founded BuniTek, an initiative that introduces technology concepts to African high school students in an engaging and hands-on manner. Led a team of 15 volunteers to develop 14 new courses.

Research Interests:

Daniel Mutia Mwendwa’s research interests lie in renewable energy systems, particularly in optimizing solar-powered irrigation and hybrid energy storage solutions. He is passionate about integrating geospatial modeling and energy planning to address sustainability challenges in Sub-Saharan Africa. His work also focuses on green hydrogen production, off-grid electrification, and the energy-water-food nexus.

Author Metrics:

Mwendwa has co-authored several research papers and reports, including:

  1. “Spatial Data Starter Kit for OnSSET Energy Planning in Kitui County, Kenya” – Published in Data in Brief (2022).
  2. “Mapping the Energy Planning Ecosystem in Kenya” – Published on GOV.UK (2023).
  3. “County Energy Planning Data Flows in Kenya: Practitioner Perspectives” – Published on GOV.UK (2023).

Top Noted Publication:

GIS-Based Method for Assessing the Viability of Solar-Powered Irrigation

  • Journal: Applied Energy
  • Publication Date: January 2025
  • DOI: 10.1016/j.apenergy.2024.124461
  • Contributors: Daniel Mutia Mwendwa, Alycia Leonard, Stephanie Hirmer
  • Summary: This paper presents a Geographic Information System (GIS)-based methodology for evaluating the feasibility of solar-powered irrigation systems. The method integrates spatial data with factors such as water availability, crop water demand, and solar energy potential to determine where solar-powered irrigation systems can be most effectively deployed in Sub-Saharan Africa.

Spatial Data Starter Kit for OnSSET Energy Planning in Kitui County, Kenya

  • Journal: Data in Brief
  • Publication Date: December 2022
  • DOI: 10.1016/j.dib.2022.108691
  • Contributors: Daniel Mutia Mwendwa, Jeffrey Tchouambe, Emily Hu, Micaela Flores Lanza, Andrea Babic Brener, Gyubin Hwang, Layla Khanfar, Alycia Leonard, Stephanie Hirmer, Malcolm McCulloch
  • Summary: This article provides a comprehensive spatial data kit designed for energy planning in Kitui County, Kenya. It is part of the Open-Source Spatial Electrification Tool (OnSSET) framework, which assists planners in developing least-cost electrification pathways. The dataset includes geographic and energy-related data to facilitate more efficient and accurate energy planning.