Tarek

Research Expertise and Interest

advanced manufacturing, 3D printing systems, fire propagation and control, UAVs and swarms, ballistic fabric shielding, food-system modeling, pandemic modeling

Research Description

Tarek I. Zohdi is a professor in the Department of Mechanical Engineering.  His main research interests are in modeling, simulation and optimization of  nonconvex multiscale-multiphysics  problems for  industrial applications. He has published over 180 archival refereed journal papers and eight books: (a) Introduction to computational micromechanics (T. Zohdi and P. Wriggers, Springer-Verlag), (b) An introduction to modeling and simulation of particulate flows (T. Zohdi, SIAM), (c) Electromagnetic properties of multiphase dielectrics: a primer on modeling, theory and computation (T. Zohdi, Springer- Verlag), (d) Dynamics of charged particulate systems: modeling, theory and computation (T. Zohdi, Springer-Verlag) (e) A finite element primer for beginners-the basics (T. Zohdi, Springer- Verlag), (f) Modeling and simulation of functionalized materials for additive manufacturing and 3D printing: continuous and discrete media (T. Zohdi, Springer-Verlag), (g) A finite element primer for beginners-extended version including sample tests and projects (T. Zohdi, Springer-Verlag) and (h) Modeling and simulation of infectious diseases: microscale transmission, decontamination and macroscale propagation (T. Zohdi, Springer-Verlag), as well as  six handbook/book chapters and five encyclopedia chapters.

Tarek I. Zohdi has been active in these four main industrial areas:

  • Modeling and simulation of high-strength fabric: Zohdi has worked extensively in  the computational analysis of high-strength ballistic fabric shielding. Initially, this work was funded by the FAA and Boeing as part of a 10 year (2001-2011) multi-million dollar laboratory and simulation effort to develop ballistic fabric shields for the Boeing 787. The analysis of Zohdi was instrumental in the development of 787 Boeing designs. The work was then applied to the development of new ballistic fabric shielding armor (from 2007-present) with the Army Research Labs (ARL) and the Army High Performance Computing Research Center (AHPCRC). In summary, the combined laboratory, modeling and simulation efforts have been instrumental for the development of new types of ballistic fabric shields for the safety and betterment of society.
  • Modeling and simulation of highly heterogeneous materials: Zohdi has been instrumental in the computational analysis of particulate functionalized materials in multiphysical regimes. This work has been continuously funded by a number of industries, most notably for power-generation materials in harsh environments such as thermal barrier turbine blade coating materials (CMCs: Ceramic Matrix Composites) and high-voltage electromagnetic generator (dielectric) materials, such as End Corona Protection systems. This work has been a direct industrial outgrowth of his ground-breaking book: Introduction to computational micromechanics (T. Zohdi and P. Wriggers, Springer-Verlag).
  • Modeling and simulation of fire-technologies: In 2018,  he founded the UC Berkeley Fire Research Group(FRG):  https://frg.berkeley.edu/ whose mission is to serve the best interests of the State of California and society at large, by working toward the development and implementation of more effective solutions for uncontrolled wildfires. The FRG’s mission is to  develop, harness and integrate the state-of-the-art technologies across many fields in order to produce robust and affordable firefighting systems that are easy to maintain, upgrade and deploy for early detection and control of fires. The has  FRG brought together engineers, scientists, technologists, first responders and firefighters to bolster research in fire science, management and emergency control.
  • Modeling and simulation of food systems: In 2019,  he founded the UC Berkeley Center for Next Generation Food Systems https://food-manufacturing.berkeley.edu/. The overall mission of the center is to optimize societal food production, quality, and food safety/security in the era of pandemics and beyond. These themes are central to California since its economy is the 5th largest economy in the world. The institute encourages cross-collaboration and sharing of information, where possible, and through various forums to further enhance expanding opportunities. Furthermore, the institute supports the research, education, extension, and economics endeavors designed to advance public knowledge and commercial interests. The center explores themes associated with (a)  pandemic driven food system security and safety, (b) improving food yield, quality, and nutrition, (c) decreasing energy and water resource consumption, (d) increasing production yield and eliminating food waste, (e) large surface-area agriculture, using energy-efficient technologies such as solar and wind and the (f)  use of autonomous systems, drones, sensors and machine-learning for detection of inefficiencies and hazards. The center is part of  a 20,000,000 dollar multi-campus NSF funded network. Zohdi is the PI of the UC Berkeley hub/node.

Please see Tarek I. Zohdi's website for information about his academic career, awards, professional associations and publications.

In the News

Computing and Data Sciences Improve What We Know About Wildfires and How to Fight Them

Our understanding, planning, and response to wildfires benefit from connections with data and computing sciences. Recent developments in machine learning and simulations can help first responders detect fires earlier, predict fires’ paths and limit blazes quickly. Through collaborations with practitioners in other fields like microbiology and forest management, these tools are answering previously intractable questions about fires that can inform policy and practice. 

College launches new energy engineering major

The College of Engineering has launched a new major—driven largely by undergraduate interest—that focuses in a comprehensive way on the generation, transmission and storage of energy, with additional courses on energy policy.

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