University of New Brunswick appoints Dr Hamed Asgari as Lockheed Martin Research Chair
July 31, 2023
The University of New Brunswick (UNB) has appointed Dr Hamed Asgari as the Lockheed Martin Research Chair in Additive Manufacturing for a five-year term. Dr Asgari will join the team at UNB’s Marine Additive Manufacturing Centre of Excellence (MAMCE) to support the development of new knowledge and processes in the use of metal Additive Manufacturing for marine applications.
“Since establishing MAMCE in 2017, UNB has solidified its position at the forefront of specialised Additive Manufacturing research,” said Dr David MaGee, vice president (research) at UNB. “We look forward to seeing the results and impact of Dr Asgari’s leading-edge research and are grateful for the financial support from Lockheed Martin and the New Brunswick Innovation Foundation.”
UNB’s MAMCE conducts research, innovation, and training activities to promote the adoption of Additive Manufacturing in Canada’s industrial marine sector. To date, MAMCE has attracted more than $12 million in research funding and continues to expand its efforts to support industry-applied research and talent development needs.
This new industry-funded chair builds upon earlier funding from Lockheed Martin, which was provided through an Industrial and Technological Benefits (ITB) offset contribution that also helped to establish MAMCE.
“The Additive Manufacturing Centre of Excellence at UNB is training the next generation of engineers and scientists to elevate the capabilities and advantages of AM technology,” said Lorraine Ben, Chief Executive, Lockheed Martin Canada.
“This ITB-enabled collaboration is continuing to advance Canada’s marine and shipbuilding industry by facilitating the adoption of 3D printing into the maintenance and building of Canada’s ships. We are excited about the robust benefits and efficiencies AM will bring to the industry and how it will advance the current and future generation of shipbuilders in Atlantic Canada.”
Dr Asgari is further supported by $55,000 in funding from the New Brunswick Innovation Foundation (NBIF). “NBIF has been a proud supporter of UNB’s Additive Manufacturing Centre of Excellence since its inception, and the addition of Dr Asgari and his specialisation in laser powder bed fusion will further advance MAMCE’s ability to provide applied research solutions to industry challenges,” added Jeff White, CEO of NBIF. “Dr Asgari brings with him a strong track record of applied research and we are keen to see his research advance this sector in the coming years.”
Dr Asgari completed his PhD in mechanical engineering at the University of Saskatchewan in 2015 and previously worked with Dr Mohammadi as a postdoctoral fellow. Specialising in metal Additive Manufacturing, specifically through Laser Beam Powder Bed Fusion (PBF-LB), he brings teaching experience and industry experience on research and development projects to UNB.
His research will focus on creating and characterising alloys for use in harsh environments, such as those found in marine, aerospace, and energy applications. These environments may involve substances that cause corrosion and oxidation, strong forces acting on materials, high operating temperatures, and other factors.
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