Sherif Hassan Aboubakr

PhD candidate at NC State University, Structural Engineer, Advanced Materials Researcher

I am interested in developing and engineering structural, multifunctional materials and systems for real-word application. I conduct research integrating structural mechanics and multiscale characterization

My experience spans more than +12 years of research in characterizing and developing construction, biomedical, and multifunctional materials and systems in R1 universities’ research groups.

My education spans across civil engineering (structural engineering), nanoscience and microsystems, biomedical Engineering, and mechanical and aerospace engineering.

2018 – 2022, Doctor of Philosophy, Civil Engineering (Structural Engineering and Mechanics)                          Spring 2022, PhD candidacy 

2010 – 2013, Masters of Science, Civil Engineering (Structural Engineering)                                                      2013 – 2015, Masters of Science, Nanoscience and Microsystems
2017  PhD, candidacy, Engineering (Civil Engineering) 

 

2003 – 2008,  Bachelor of Science, Civil Engineering (Structural Analysis and Design) 

Recent Research Project:

Integrated self-healing and self-sensing using optical waveguides in microvascular fiber-composites.

Challenges associated with embedding silica optical fiber into epoxy matrix for targeted light delivery

Silica core optical fibers are high quality/low defect density, but as a result exhibit crack bridging/stochastic failure. Even with enhancing optical fiber and matrix interfacial bonding by silanization.
Fragmented failure of optical fiber in high fracture toughness matrix.  

Fine tuning thermal annealing conditions for polymer optical fiber for targeted light delivery

Thermo-mechanical characterization of polymer optical fiber to achieve in situ fracture and maintain adequate light transmission. 

Rapid self-Healing of structural polymers via integration of microvasculature and optical Fibers

Developed a one-part, liquid photo-chemistry that features excellent adhesion to epoxy, polymerizes with visible light, exhibits dark cure for reduced energy input, and contains Raman-active molecules for spectroscopic self-sensing.
Achieved rapid (5 min.) in situ self-healing (500x faster) with comparable healing efficiency (> 66%) to prior two-part (epoxy/amine) system.

 

Past Research Project:

Microstructural Characterization and Mechanical testing of Epoxy-clay, Functionalized MWCNTs,  Nonrubber nanocomposites, and their carbon  fiber reinforced composites.
Microstructural Characterization of Carbon black microstructural for producing carbon fibers.

Pelvic Ring Emergency Stabilization System (PRESS). 
3D Bioprinter + Electrospinner hybrid system for hierarchical, functionally graded scaffolds with high load-bearing characteristics.
Mechanical characterization of cell-silica biocomposites: Culture and silicification of cancer mammalian cells.

Synthetic calcium silicate hydrate (C-S-H).
Supplementary cementing materials (SCMs)
Sludge-based cement material. 
Pozzolanic activity and characterization of cement paste incorporating ceramic waste powder. 
Oil well Type-G cement incorporating nanoclay or nanosilica.

Current Research Project:

Fiber Optics sensors for Real-Time Monitoring of Structural Health