Behnam Sobhaniaragh

Dr Behnam Sobhaniaragh is a Lecturer (Assistant Professor) in Mechanical Engineering at Teesside University and an early career researcher specialising in Computational Mechanics and Mathematical Modelling. A Chartered Engineer (CEng) with the Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE) and a Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (FHEA), he brings a unique research and teaching portfolio focused on developing high-fidelity numerical frameworks for sustainable and resilient engineering systems. His academic and research agenda supports the UK’s Net Zero transition, combining theoretical rigour with applied solutions in areas such as energy systems, digital design, and structural optimisation.

Before joining Teesside University, Dr Sobhaniaragh held competitive Postdoctoral Fellow positions at the Technical University of Darmstadt (Germany), the University of Sao Paulo (USP), and the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ) in Brazil. His research in Brazil was supported by the Sao Paulo Research Foundation (FAPESP) through its most prestigious postdoctoral fellowship, recognising the originality and rigour of his contributions to computational modelling. He holds a PhD in Electro-Mechanical Engineering from Ghent University (UGent), Belgium, and a second doctorate (Doctor of Science, DSc) in Civil Engineering with a specialisation in Computational Mechanics from UFRJ in 2017. His DSc thesis on modelling multi-stage hydraulic fracturing in shale reservoirs was awarded the Best Thesis in the Department of Civil Engineering.

Latest Publications

Google Scholar: https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=Jw74L-Sjm80C&hl=en (h-index= 23, Citations= 1,785)

ReseachGate: https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Behnam-Sobhaniaragh (h-index= 21, Citations= 1,483)

ORCiD: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-3580-9577 

Web of Science: https://www.webofscience.com/wos/author/record/G-5898-2011 (h-index= 24)

Dr Sobhaniaragh’s research lies at the intersection of computational mechanics, applied mathematics, and engineering design, with a strong focus on developing advanced simulation tools to support innovation in low-carbon and high-performance systems. His work integrates continuum mechanics, finite element methods, multiphysics coupling, and machine learning, enabling predictive analysis of coupled processes across structural, geological, and energy systems.His research interests include:

(i) Predictive Modelling and Structural Reliability

His work in fracture mechanics and hydrogen infrastructure includes coupled simulation frameworks for predicting crack growth under combined loading and hydrogen diffusion. This research addresses safety in hydrogen storage and transport systems, supporting the UK’s clean energy goals. He also investigates bio-inspired structural systems that use continuum mechanics principles to improve mechanical performance and efficiency in sustainable engineering.

(ii) Subsurface Energy Systems and Carbon Capture Technologies

Dr Sobhaniaragh develops coupled thermo-hydro-mechanical (THM) models for simulating CO₂ and hydrogen injection, hydraulic-induced fractures, and storage in geological formations. These models assess storage integrity, fracture propagation, and fluid-rock interactions, supporting evaluation of capacity, performance, and long-term security. He also explores structure-subsurface integration using engineered morphologies such as gyroid and cellular geometries to support CCS infrastructure aligned with decarbonisation goals.

(iii) Digital Engineering, Lifecycle Modelling, and Sustainable Design

Dr Sobhaniaragh integrates multiscale simulation, pore-to-structure modelling, and data-driven optimisation to advance digital engineering. His research supports digital twins, lifecycle tools, and resilience assessments for complex systems. These approaches enable predictive design and long-term asset management, aligning with UKRI priorities and supporting Teesside University’s role in digitalisation and net zero innovation.

Through the integration of physics-based modelling, sustainable system design, and digital engineering methods, Dr Sobhaniaragh’s research advances both scientific understanding and practical innovation. His work contributes not only to the UK’s Net Zero objectives, but also to emerging engineering solutions in clean energy, healthcare, mobility, and advanced manufacturing.

PhD Students:

• M. Kakavandi (7/05/24 - Present)
  Project title: Enhancing 3-D Printed Calcaneus Implants: Simulation and Novel Optimization Techniques for Improved Functionality

Membership

• Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (FHEA), UK
• Member of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE), UK
• EPSRC Peer Review college

Guest Editor

• Programmable Metallic Metamaterials: Innovations in Sustainable Design and Smart Architectures
• Phase-Field Modeling of Damage and Fracture

Editorial Service

• Reviewer of International Journals:

International Journal of Mechanical Sciences; Engineering Fracture Mechanics; Applied Mathematical Modelling; Journal of Materials Science; Engineering Analysis with Boundary Elements; Journal of Materials Research and Technology; Advances in Engineering Software; Computer Methods in Applied Mechanics and Engineering; Journal of Natural Gas Science and Engineering; Journal of Petroleum Science and Engineering; Meccanica; Thin-Walled Structures; Mechanics of Advanced Materials and Structures; Proceedings of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers, Part L: Journal of Materials: Design and Applications; ACS Omega.