Image of Dr Ariyan Ashkanfar

Dr Ariyan Ashkanfar

School of Engineering

Faculty of Engineering and Technology

Ariyan gained a first BSc degree in Mechanical Engineering in 2009, a distinction Master degree in Mechanical Engineering Design from the University of Manchester in 2011 and awarded a PhD in Biomedical engineering involving finite element analysis (FEA) and Python programming to develop a computational wear algorithm from Liverpool John Moores University (LJMU).

Upon completion of his PhD, Ariyan joined Newcastle University as a finite element specialist (Postdoctoral Research Associate), responsible for undertaking wear analysis using FEA at artificial human joints until December 2016 and then he joined LJMU as a senior lecturer in Mechanical Engineering Design.

Ariyan’s primary areas of research are mainly in mechanical modelling and FE analysis (Static and Dynamic) with the development of advanced meshing, programming in FE environments, computational wear and fatigue algorithms, modelling of complex contacts, modelling of human joints using CT, MRI or point cloud data, modelling complex material properties as well as Fatigue testing, CMM measurement, Profilometry, Microscopy and Impact testing.

Research interest:
Finite element modelling and analysis for design and operations
Programming and scripting in FE environments
Development of computational wear and fatigue algorithms
Wear and fatigue testing
Fracture Mechanics
Biomedical Engineering

Research Team
1) Mr Shawn Toh
PhD project: A computational approach to wear prediction in total hip replacement
Joint replacement is common and generally effective to restore mobility and reduce pain. However, failures of artificial joints still occur at unacceptably high rates and these are usually linked to wear from the artificial hip joints. The overall goal of this research is to improve artificial hip joints design using finite element analysis wear analysis so that they last the lifetime of patients.

2) Mr Ciaran Pitt
PhD project: Total Knee replacement; why they fail prematurely and how to increase their lifespan?
Total knee replacement (TKR) has been developed over a number of years and is considered as a successful treatment for osteoarthritis or injury of the knee. The overall goal of this research is to improve the longevity of the artificial knee joints so that they last the lifetime of patients. To achieve this goal, the objectives of this proposal are to investigate the current design of knee implants to comprehensively understand the reasons of their failure. This design investigation will be based on finite element stress analysis as well as computational wear analysis.

3) Ms Jessa Canas
PhD project: Computational finite element and wear analyses for shoulder joint replacements
Shoulder joint replacement (SJR) is the 3rd most common orthopaedic arthroplasty after hip and knee joint replacement. The overall aim of this study is to develop a computational finite element and wear based model of SJRs, while validated with the experimental data which can be used for a speedy investigation of the design and surgical variations on the longevity of these prostheses

4) Ms Olivia Angel
This project: Characterise the plasticity and fracture behavior of two grades of austenitic stainless steel, 316 and 304.

5) Mr Tammam Kaid
PhD project: Materials Development and Optimisation for Smart Gasket and Modelling

External Supervision
1) Mr Hamid Hajimohammadi
PhD project: Design, manufacturing and finite element analysis of MXene/polymer composites

Dr Ashkanfar is currently seeking motivated students for PhD projects on the following areas:
- Biomedical engineering and Biomechanics
- Finite Element Analysis, Solid Mechanics and Structural integrity
- Mechanical design and operation

Teaching:
- Level 7 Finite Element Analysis
- Level 6 Engineering Analysis
- Level 5 Applied Mechanics 2
- Level 5 Mechanical and Thermal Systems 2
- Level 5 Engineering Practice 2
- Level 4 Mechanical and Thermal Systems 1b

Degrees

Liverpool John Moores University, United Kingdom, PhD in Biomedical Engineering
Higher Education Academy, United Kingdom, Associate fellow
The University of Manchester, United Kingdom, MSc in Mechanical Engineering Design

Academic appointments

Senior Lecturer, Maritime and Mechanical Engineering, Liverpool John Moores University, 2017 - present
Visiting Research Associate, School of Engineering, Newcastle University, 2016 - present

Postgraduate training

Failure of artificial joints; computational and experimental analysis, United Kingdom, Liverpool John Moores University, ? - present
PGCert, United Kingdom, LJMU, ? - present

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