Salaheddin Rahimi – Technical Lead, Advanced Forming Research Centre (AFRC)
Salah is the Technical Lead of the Advanced Forming Research Centre (AFRC) at the University of Strathclyde and Chair of the AFRC’s Technical Board. With over 15 years of experience in digital manufacturing, materials science, and process optimisation, his expertise spans measurements, modelling, and control of material properties, with a focus on microstructure and residual stress during the manufacturing of high-value engineering components.
A key area of Salah’s research is digital twin development for forging and forming processes, integrating IoT-enabled real-time monitoring, data analytics, and predictive simulations to optimise manufacturing efficiency, part conformance, and process sustainability. His work leverages advanced computational models and AI-driven analytics to enhance process control, reduce manufacturing distortions, and improve materials performance.
His previous research focused on meso-scale fracture mechanics and material behavior under critical service loads, using high-resolution imaging and electron microscopy to investigate microstructural interactions with cracks. More recently, he has pioneered novel techniques for manufacturing-induced residual stress measurement, enabling tighter dimensional tolerances and enhanced mechanical properties in aerospace and energy components.
Since joining the University of Strathclyde in 2010, Salah has been instrumental in shaping AFRC’s CORE Research Programme and continues to supervise PhD and EngD students. He is a Fellow of The Institute of Materials, Minerals and Mining (IOM3) and a Chartered Engineer (CEng).