Professor Elected as Fellow of the Royal Aeronautical Society
Professor Rehan Umer Awarded the Prestigious Distinction for His Achievements in Aerospace Engineering Leadership and Research
Khalifa University’s Dr. Rehan Umer, Professor, Aerospace Engineering, is elected as Fellow of the Royal Aeronautical Society (FRAeS), for his contributions to advancing the aerospace engineering sector.
The current Fellows of the Society elected Dr. Umer for this rare honor, which is granted to only those in the profession of aeronautics or aerospace, who have made outstanding contributions in the field, or have attained a position of high responsibility in an aerospace-related profession.
Dr. Umer’s appointment comes as a result of his exceptional contributions to the aerospace community as well as his expertise and research acumen, earning him widespread recognition in the field. As a prolific author, Dr. Umer has published three books, numerous refereed journal articles, and conference papers, showcasing his extensive understanding of aerospace engineering and his commitment to advancing the discipline.
Beyond academia, Dr. Umer holds four US patents and has played a pivotal role in establishing collaborative research centers by co-founding the Advanced (Aerospace) Research and Innovation Center (ARIC), a joint venture between Khalifa University and STRATA Manufacturing. As the founder of the Composites Manufacturing Lab, he also spearheads groundbreaking research on process modeling and simulations, the additive manufacturing of lightweight composite structures, machine learning and augmented reality of advanced manufacturing in Industry 4.0.
Moreover, Dr. Umer’s research contributions extend beyond his current affiliations through his active involvement in Khalifa University’s Research and Innovation Center on Graphene and 2D Materials (RIC-2D), which is hosted by Khalifa University as part of a strategic investment by the Government of Abu Dhabi to advance the scientific development and commercial deployment of technologies derived from graphene and other 2D materials. As a theme and project lead, Dr. Umer is instrumental in driving advancements in the utilization of graphene and 2D materials within the aerospace industry.
One of Dr. Umer’s notable research endeavors involved a collaborative effort between Khalifa University and STRATA Manufacturing, investigating the deformation of aerospace parts during the manufacturing process. Through the use of advanced simulation tools, Dr. Umer and a research team developed predictive models that enable manufacturers to anticipate and mitigate deformations, ensuring the production of high-quality aerospace components. Furthermore, he has contributed to the development of an innovative approach to model the behavior of woven fabrics under stress cycles. This breakthrough research facilitates the selection of optimal materials for aircraft components, enhancing their performance and safety.
Dr. Rehan Umer said: “I am delighted to receive this prestigious and rare honor, joining the ranks and becoming one of the Fellows of the Royal Aeronautical Society, the highest grade attainable for professionals in the field of aeronautics or aerospace. I would like to thank Khalifa University for its generous support for all the research over the years as well as the Society’s commitment to upholding professional standards and fostering a central forum for knowledge sharing, which is truly commendable.”
With more than 25,000 members representing over 100 countries, the Royal Aeronautical Society, established in 1866 to further the art, science and engineering for aeronautics, is the only professional body dedicated to aerospace, aviation and space communities.
Alisha Roy
Science Writer
17 April 2024
