Staff profile

Dr Rizwan Saeed Choudhry


Senior Lecturer in Materials/Mechanical Engineering

Rizwan Choudhry in the Fatigue Lab

Subject

Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering

College

College of Science and Engineering

Department

School of Engineering

Research centre

Institute for Innovation in Sustainable Engineering (IISE)

ORCiD ID

0000-0002-5829-8773

Campus

Markeaton Street, Derby Campus

Email

r.choudhry@derby.ac.uk

About

I am an experienced academic (research and teaching), a Fellow of Higher education Academy (FHEA), UK, Professional Member of Institute of Materials, Minerals and Mining (IOM, UK), and certified Professional Engineer (PE) (equivalent to UK CEng) from Pakistan Engineering Council (PEC).

My PhD and MSc are from the University of Manchester, UK, and my BE in Mechanical Engineering is from NUST, Pakistan. I achieved Distinction in BE as well as in my MSc dissertation.

I worked as a Postdoctoral fellow on EPSRC funded research project at the University of Bath, Mitsubishi Heavy Industry funded project at the University of Cambridge and Ministry of Defence funded research project at the University of Manchester, UK.

I have won several grants, published extensively in high-impact journals. Presented my work in international conferences and contributed to edited books. I effectively work collaboratively with several international collaborators. I am a regular peer reviewer for many excellent journals in my research area and have acted as external examiner for PhD students.

I have experience teaching a wide range of modules related to materials, solid mechanics, stress and failure analysis, finite element methods and mechanics of composites and forensic engineering at all levels in HEIs. I believe in a student-centred teaching philosophy and have successfully experimented with blended learning approaches in recent years. I have supervised over four dozen student thesis and design projects. Lead mechanical department for engineering council accreditation of its BEng program. Lead teams in terms of executing funded projects and for organizing international conferences and carried out knowledge exchange and CPD activities.

Teaching responsibilities

I have taught a range of subjects in materials/mechanical engineering over the years. My current teaching responsibilities include teaching 'Advanced Engineering Materials and Applications', 'Materials and Manufacturing Processes', 'Failure Analysis' and 'Forensic Engineering failure analysis and prevention'

In the past I have taught courses including 'Finite Element Analysis of Composites', 'Mechanics of Composites', 'Finite Element Method', 'Mechanics of Materials I' (solid mechanics 1), 'Mechanics of Materials II' (solid mechanics II' and 'Design of Machine Elements'.

I have also been involved in teaching quality enhancement activities and have re-defined mechanical engineering programmes at NUST and CUST to bring them in line for the Washington accord accreditation.

Professional interests

I have been actively supervising research in the areas of sustainable composites. In particular as a key member of the composite materials research group of University of Derby, I have been actively supporting such SMEs directly and indirectly which are actively seeking ways to develop solutions that can help reduce carbon footprint across the supply chain for high carbon sectors such as transport and infrastructure. For example, in recent years one of our GROUPS KTP with a local SME lead to the development of a new low-carbon bio-based PFA resin system and this work is being further continued by two of our PhD students and several UG students.

Similarly, in another intervention, we supported a local SME in developing a solution for reducing embodied carbon from pre-cast concrete structures. Besides the local SMEs we are also actively working with our international partners such as Petronas University Malaysia, for developing innovative models for new recyclable thermoplastic composite materials.

Our students are the engine for this research and while carrying out these projects they become equipped with skills that will take them to the front of the queue in evolving job market. We are now at a stage where this research is being fed back into our graduate and undergraduate teaching programs as well as making our future graduates ready for facing this biggest challenge of 21st century.

Research interests

I have a rich and diverse research profile. In the start of my career, my research focused on FE modelling and testing of woven composite’s lap joints subjected to impact loading. Later, I expanded my research portfolio in both depth and breadth. Thus, currently my research and research supervisions falls under the following of five thematic areas.

  1. Progressive damage modelling in composites and composite joints using FE based as well as analytical methods
  2. Micromechanics of composites and multiscale modelling (both FE and analytical modelling)
  3. Software development for composites research, teaching and analysis
  4. Development of Composite testing standards, methods and equipment.
  5. Composites manufacturing and product design

Because of my research experience, I boast the following key research skills:

FE based analysis of woven composites including:

Membership of professional bodies

Qualifications

Recent conferences

  1. R. S. Choudhry, S.Z.H. Shah, Multiscale damage modelling of 3D woven composites under static and impact loads in NAFEMS Regional Conference NRC22 UK, 7th June 2022 Milton Keynes, England, UK 
  2. D. Odiyi, T. Sharif, R. S. Choudhry Polyfurfuryl Alcohol Resin composites: Synthesis, Properties, Manufacturing and Challenges in Bio-Materials: Playing a Key Role in the Composites Industry’s Net Zero Future | Composites UK, 17 Nov 2021, Warwick, UK
  3. C.R.Gudur, T. Sharif, Yiling Lu, R. S. Choudhry, Development of Bio-degradable PFA Resin for Composite Application with enhanced properties in Bio-Materials: Playing a Key Role in the Composites Industry’s Net Zero Future | Composites UK, 17 Nov 2021, Warwick, UK
  4. R. S. Choudhry, S.Z.H. Shah, Yousaff, Impact Damage Tolerance of Resin Infused Thermoplastic 3D Composites, Thermoplastic Composites 2020, 19th Oct 2020, British Plastics Federation, UK
  5. R. S. Choudhry, Multiscale modelling of DFC Composites, NAFEMS UK Virtual Conference 2020, 9th-10th Nov 2020, NAFEMS
  6. R. S. Choudhry, S.Z.H. Shah, A novel approach for modelling of ROS and ROS-hybrid composites, ICCM 22, 22nd International Conference on Composite Materials, 11 – 16 August 2019, in Melbourne, Australia
  7. R. S. Choudhry, Effect of voids on mechanical properties of woven composites, 13th International Conference on Textile Composites, Texcomp-13, 17-19 September 2018, in Milan, Italy 
  8. R. S. Choudhry, L.E. Culliford, , R. Butler, A.T. Rhead, Finite element prediction of tensile and buckling response of discretely stiffened composite panels, Simulia UK RUM 2017 Conference, 18-19th Oct 2017, Park Royal, Cheshire, UK
  9. L.E. Culliford, R. S. Choudhry, R. Butler, A.T. Rhead, Discrete Stiffness Tailoring for improved Buckling Performance, ICCM 21, 21st International Conference on Composite Materials, 20 – 25 August 2017, in Xi’an China
  10. X. Lei, K. Hayat, M.T. Hussain, H.T. Ali, R.S. Choudhry A numerical study on the impact resistance of braided composites, Fourth International Conference of Aerospace Science and Engineering (ICASE2015), September 2 – 4, 2015, Institute of Space Technology (IST), Islamabad, Pakistan
  11. Determination of Key Mechanical Properties for Simulating Delamination Damage in Impacted Bonded Joints of Composites, R S Choudhry, S Li, R Day, S F Hassan, Proceedings of American Society of Composites-30th Technical Conference September 28-30, 2015, Michigan State University, Michigan, USA 
  12. K. Miura, M. Kashiwagi, K. Esaki, R.S. Choudhry, J.L.Y Tan, V.S. Deshpande. N. Fleck, OS1407 Fracture Behavior of CFRP Structure from Stress-raising Defects under Combined Loading, The Proceedings of the Materials and Mechanics Conference, The Japan Society of Mechanical Engineers, July 2014
  13. Tanveer Ahmed, R.S. Choudhry, Himayat Ullah, Fahad Hassan, Numerical modelling of carbon fibre reinforced polymer composites for hole size effect, APCoMS-3, 3rd ASEAN-Pakistan Conference on Materials Science, 25-27 November 2014, National University of Sciences and Technology (NUST), Islamabad, Pakistan
  14. J L.Tan, N A.Fleck, V. Deshpande, R.S. Choudhry, K. Esaki et al., Investigating the damage mechanisms and their effects on the notch sensitivities of cross-ply CFRP laminates under uniaxial loading Proceedings 16th European Conference on Composite Materials, 22-26 June 2014, Seville, Spain
  15. MPF Stutcliffe, C Monroy Aceves, WJ Stronge, R. S. Choudhry, AE Scott, L Lobo, Low-speed impact damage in hybrid 2D-braided composite plates, TexComp 2010, International Conference on Textile Composites (10th Ed), 26-28 October 2010, Lille Grand Palais, France
  16. R. S. Choudhry, R. Day, S. Li, Characterization of impact-induced damage modes in composites using X-ray microtomography, ICCM 17, 17th International Conference on Composite Materials, 27-31 Jul 2009, Edinburgh, UK ()
  17. P. Potluri, T Sharif, D Jetavat, A Aktas, R Choudhry, P Hogg, Benchmarking of 3D performing strategies, ICCM 17, 17th International Conference on Composite Materials, 27-31 Jul 2009, Edinburgh, UK 
  18. R. S. Choudhry, P. Hogg, X Ray Tomography – A Powerful NDT Technique for Assessing Structural Parts, 9th Annual Conference: Innovation in Composites, 29th – 30th April 2009, Manchester Conference Centre, UK
  19. R. S. Choudhry, R. Day, S. Li, Modelling failure and damage growth in lap joints of woven GFRP composites – A comparison of failure modes, DFC-10, 10th Deformation and Fracture of Composites Conference, 15th – 17thApril 2009, Kroto Research Institute, Sheffield, UK

Experience in industry

Effective research collaboration and partnership with industry underpins success for academics. My experience of collaborative research and industrial engagement is at various levels. For example, my Post-Doctoral experience at all three Universities where I carried out research (The University of Bath, The University of Cambridge and The University of Manchester) was on projects that were heavily sponsored through the industries.

For example, the Cambridge project was funded by Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI), Japan and the Manchester project was funded by the Ministry of Defence (MOD), UK, respectively. The project at Bath was an EPSRC project however it also involved GKN and Airbus as industrial partners. As part of the project at Cambridge, I was involved in direct discussions and reporting to MHI on project deliverables while the work in Manchester required me to report my findings to MOD and Nanoforce. In addition, during the period of my Post Doc in Manchester, I also performed contract work on behalf of NCCEF, University of Manchester for industry clients such as Brook House for X-ray CT work. 

Supervised multiple student projects in collaboration with industry stakeholders, including Rolls Royce Apprentice Students, as well as those from other industries near Derby. In all these instances, students contributed positively, efficiently, and within budgetary and time constraints to on-going business activities.

International experience

I have worked in both Pakistan and Britain, and have carried out international collaborations on research projects in Malaysia, France, UAE, KSA and USA. Some of the universities that I worked in, followed the British system while others followed the US systems. My international accomplishments include: 

International Faculty Achievement Award (IAUP - NUST) 2014
Winner International Association of University Presidents (IAUP), International Faculty Achievement Award of NUST for the year 2014.

Project Lead for the British Council - DFID sponsored award under the DelPHE scheme titled, 'Capacity building for enhancing R&D in manufacturing, testing and certification of composite materials'

The project established a bilateral partnership between NUST department of Mechanical Engineering and National Composites Certification and Evaluation Facility at the University of Manchester, UK to improve capacity for carrying out high impact research in the area of composite materials with the long-term objective of contributing towards the attainment of millennium development goals of poverty reduction through industrial innovation. Thus, the key objective of the project was imparting training in design, manufacturing, testing and certification through workshops and seminars at three levels i.e. policymakers, academics and students.

It also aimed at enabling student/faculty exchange between NUST and Manchester through internship and guest researcher program.  A countrywide survey for requirements analysis for establishing R&D centre for composites manufacturing evaluation and certification was carried out as part of the project and report was presented to government and private industries during the Pakistan Composite Show and Policy Dialogue organised by PI as part of this project. The project resulted in introduction of new MSc/PhD level course in NUST curriculum, it increased awareness of the research and business potential for advanced composites and resulted in establishment of composites engineering research group.

Co-PI for the British Council - sponsored award under the InSPIRE - SPEKE scheme titled, 'Sustainable energy solution for rural communities through community participation'

The project built on the existing strategic partnership with British and Pakistani Universities (INSPIRE) by focusing on two new objectives. On one hand it aims at using the theoretical and lab results of the existing project to create a demonstrator unit with the help of local industry (Chitral engineering works) and installing this demonstrator on a canal in rural areas leased from the KPK/Punjab government. On the other hand it aims at increasing the acceptance of technology in the rural communities and motivating school and college students for getting science and technology education, and convincing them of the positive role technology can play in their lives.

In addition I have ongoing international collaborations with University Petronas Malaysia.

Additional interests and activities

In the media

Recent publications

  1. Z.H. Shah, P.S.M. Megat-Yusoff, Tahir Sharif, Syed Zahid Hussain, R.S. Choudhry, Off-axis tensile performance of notched resin-infused thermoplastic 3D fibre-reinforced composites, Mechanics of Materials, Volume 175, December 2022, 104478; https://doi.org/10.1016/j.mechmat.2022.104478 
  2. S.Z.H Shah, P.S.M. M. Yusoff, S Karuppanan, R.S. Choudhry , Zubair Sajid, Off-axis and on-axis performance of resin-infused thermoplastic 3D fibre-reinforced composites under flexure load, Polymers, Polymers 2022, 14(11), 2225; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym14112225
  3. D. C. Odiyi, T. Sharif, R. S. Choudhry, S. Maalik, Cure Mechanisms and Kinetic prediction of biobased Glass/Polyfurfuryl alcohol (PFA) prepreg by Model-free Kinetics, Thermochimica Acta, Volume 708, February 2022, 179133, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tca.2021.179133
  4. S.Z.H. Shah, P.S.M. Megat-Yusoff, S. Karuppanan, R.S Choudhry, Multiscale damage modelling of 3D woven composites under static and impact loads, in Composites Part A: Applied Science and Manufacturing, Volume 151, December 2021, 1066592021 https://doi.org/10.1016/j.compositesa.2021.106659
  5. S.Z.H. Shah, P.S.M. Megat-Yusoff, R.S. Choudhry, Zubair Sajid, Israr Ud Din 'Experimental investigation on the quasi-static crush performance of resin-infused thermoplastic 3D fibre-reinforced composites', Composites Communications, Volume 28, December 2021, 100916
    https://doi.org/10.1016/j.coco.2021.100916
  6. S.Z.H. Shah, P.S.M. Megat-Yusoff, S. Karuppanan, R.S Choudhry, F. Ahmad, Z Sajid, Mechanical Properties and Failure Mechanisms of Novel Resin‑infused Thermoplastic and Conventional Thermoset 3D Fabric Composites, Applied Composite Materials, October 2021
  7. S.Z.H Shah, P.S.M. M. Yusoff, S Karuppanan, R.S. Choudhry, Compression and buckling after impact response of resin-infused thermoplastic and thermoset 3D woven composites. Composites Part B: Engineering, Volume 207, 15 February 2021, 108592 https://doi.org/10.1016/j.compositesb.2020.108592
  8. S.Z.H Shah, P.S.M. M. Yusoff, S Karuppanan, R.S. Choudhry, Performance comparison of resin-infused thermoplastic and thermoset 3D fabric composites under impact loading, International Journal of Mechanical Sciences, Volume 189, 1 January 2021, (105984), https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijmecsci.2020.105984
  9. S.Z.H Shah, R.S. Choudhry, S. Mahadzir A new approach for strength and stiffness prediction of discontinuous fibre-reinforced composites (DFC), Composites Part B: Engineering, vol. 183, Feb 2020, pp.107676, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.compositesb.2019.107676
  10. L. Culliford, R. S. Choudhry, R. Butler, A.T. Rhead, Buckling and Strength Analysis of panels with Discrete Stiffness Tailoring, Composite Structures, vol. 234, Feb 2020, pp.111672, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.compstruct.2019.111672
  11. R. S. Choudhry, R. Butler, A.T. Rhead, Mark Nielsen, A Plate Model for Strength Prediction of Delaminated Composites, Composite Structures, vol. 210, (2019), Pages 509-517 https://doi.org/10.1016/j.compstruct.2018.11.066
  12. R. S. Choudhry, T. Sharif, K. A. Khan , S. Z. Khan, A. Hassan, M A Khan, Predicting the effect of voids on mechanical properties of woven composites, IOP Conference Series: Materials Science and Engineering, vol. 406, (2018), pp: 012007, DOI: 10.1088/1757-899X/406/1/012007 , ISSN 1757-899X.
  13. T Sharif, P Potluri, R. S. Choudhry, A Dodworth, Forming low-cost, high quality carbon tows for automotive application, IOP Conference Series: Materials Science and Engineering, vol. 406, (2018), pp: 012021, DOI: 10.1088/1757-899X/406/1/012021 , ISSN 1757-899X
  14. T. Ahmed, R. S. Choudhry, A. Rehman, H. Saeed, “A study on pre-damaged stress concentration factor for a composite laminate member with central circular”, Journal of Mechanical Science and Technology, Vol (32) Issue 8, 2018 pp. 3653–8, Springer. doi:10.1007/s12206-018-0717-4
  15. M. Asif, M. Ali Khan, S. Z. Khan, R. S. Choudhry, K. A. Khan, “Identification of an effective non-destructive technique for bond defect determination in laminate composites - a technical review”, Journal of Composite Materials, Sage: March 29, 2018 https://doi.org/10.1177/0021998318766595
  16. A. M. Khan, K. Mahmood, W. H. Syed, R. S Choudhry, S. M. Khan “ Root cause failure analysis of a tracked vehicle balance arm”, Case Studies in Engineering Failure Analysis, Vol. 9 (2017) pp. 112–117 (DOI https://doi.org/10.1016/j.csefa.2017.10.001 )
  17. Shah, S. Z., R.S. Choudhry, and Khan, L. A., "Challenges in Compression Testing of 3D Angle-Interlocked Woven-Glass Fabric-Reinforced Polymeric Composites," Journal of Testing and Evaluation, Volume 45, Issue 5, September 2017 https://doi.org/10.1520/JTE20160191 . ISSN 0090-3973.
  18. Faraz, Syed, Ali, R. S. Choudhry et.al., Development of a STEP-compliant design and manufacturing framework for discrete sheet-metal bend parts, Proc IMechE Part B: Journal of Engineering Manufacture, pp. 1-15, August 9, 2016 https://doi.org/10.1177/0954405416661007 
  19. R. S. Choudhry, Kamran A. Khan, Sohaib Zia Khan, Muhammad Ali Khan, Abid Hassan, Micromechanical Modeling of 8-Harness Satin Weave Glass Fiber Reinforced Composites, Journal of Composite Materials, Sage Publishers, 2016 https://doi.org/10.1177/0021998316649782 
  20. R.S. Choudhry, Hassan SF, Li S, Day R, Damage in single lap joints of woven fabric reinforced polymeric composites subjected to transverse impact loading, International Journal of Impact Engineering, Vol. 80 (Feb 2015) pp. 76-93 https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijimpeng.2015.02.003 
  21. Sutcliffe, M.P.F., C. Monroy Aceves, W.J. Stronge, R.S. Choudhry, and A.E. Scott, Moderate speed impact damage to 2D-braided glass-carbon composites. (Composite Structures ISSN: 0263-8223), Composite Structures 94 (2012), pp.1781-1792 (DOI:10.1016/j.compstruct.2011.12.026)
  22. Asim Shahzad and R. S. Choudhry, Design and Manufacturing of Natural Fiber/ Synthetic Fiber Reinforced Polymer Hybrid Composites (chapter 16), in Volume 2 edited book " Handbook of Composites from Renewable Materials, Volume 2, Design and Manufacturing " ISBN: 978-1-119-22365-8 Wiley-Scrivener, March 2017