Programme
The UNNC will organize the series of international symposia Case Studies in Advanced Engineering Design on a annual basis, with critical mass signifying a major, strategic and long-term viable commitment on the part of the MMME Department. The focus is advanced engineering design, with the thematic areas being either core to the aerospace engineering discipline, such as aircraft and spacecraft architecture, materials development, structural design, manufacturing, powertrain architecture and energy storage and conversion, propulsion systems, control, as well as closely related and cross-linked themes such as marine/ underwater vehicle architectures and propulsion systems, rail and high speed rail systems, and automotive systems.
The CSIAED symposia 2025 will invite to UNNC distinguished experts from academia and, notably, industry, who a) deliver keynote and regular lectures presenting case studies from their development process, b) hold expert panel discussions on matters of future technology development and socio-economic considerations and visions, c) give workshops and master-classes, where they engage with the symposium participants and d) share experiences in developing methodologies and training methods in the academia and industry, with an emphasis on cross-talk and knowledge and experience transfer. e) Student projects are presented as well, including projects by the Boeing-sponsored University Aviation Club and AERO final year projects (FYP), and the event is used to showcase this work to the industrial and academic participants and invite feedback and networking opportunities for the students, as well as giving them valuable experience. The participants, besides the keynote invitees, are comprised of a) a wide range of experts from UNNC and other universities from China and overseas, b) experts from the relevant sectors of the industry from China and overseas, and c) students and alumni of MMME and the UNNC, while the symposium is open to students of other universities. Participants may observe, or actively participate in the activities. An emphasis is given to Q&A and dialectic, to stimulate new design thinking. The CSIAED also includes Student Design Competition which aims to provide a platform for UNNC students to showcase their innovative skills in engineering design and practice. Centred around the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) identified by the United Nations, the competition welcomes submissions of innovative solutions from UG, MSc, MRes, PhD and preliminary year engineering students. Prizes will be awarded across different levels to recognise excellence appropriate to each academic stage. This event will also offer students a valuable opportunity to interact with peers across disciplines and to learn from both academic and industry experts. Additionally, the competition serves to highlight UNNC’s excellence in cultivating next-generation engineering talents with innovation-oriented capabilities.
Keynote Speakers
Professor Christos I. Papadopoulos
Keynote speech title: Marine Shaftline Monitoring and Bearing Condition Prognostics: From Model Development to Laboratory and In-Service Validation
Biography:
Professor Christos I. Papadopoulos is a Professor at the School of Naval Architecture & Marine Engineering of the National Technical University of Athens. He joined the faculty of the Department in 2007. He holds a Diploma in Naval Architecture & Marine Engineering (1997) and a Ph.D. in Marine Engineering (2001), both from NTUA. His research activities include hydrodynamic lubrication of journal and thrust bearings using Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD), effects of artificial surface texturing on the performance of lubrication contacts, dynamics of marine propulsion and power transmission systems, shaft alignment of marine propulsion systems, numerical simulation of sound propagation and sound-structure interaction, and modeling and identification of dynamical systems, with emphasis on coupled structural acoustic systems. He teaches Mechanical Drawing, 3-D Computer Aided Design, Machine Elements, Ship Propulsion Systems, Ship Auxiliary Systems and C++ Programming. He serves as a regular reviewer of about 20 journals in the fields of Marine Engineering, Tribology, and Vibrations/Acoustics. His research work includes more than 85 peer-reviewed publications in journals and international Conferences; it has received over 1200 citations. He has received the Best Paper Award by the Microturbines & Small Turbomachinery Committee of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) in June 2010, and a Scientific Award for Excellence by the Greek Ministry of Education in December 2012. He has participated in several research projects funded by the EU, the Greek Government and the industry. He has long experience as a consultant to the Maritime Industry, in the field of marine engineering, with emphasis on shaft alignment calculations/measurements, FEM/CFD analyses, vibration and acoustics measurements and calculations. He has been involved as a technical expert in more than 20 cases of accidents/failures of mechanical components or systems in the maritime industry.
Abstract:
This work introduces our work at the National technical University of Athens related to the development of a Digital Twin Framework for real-time marine shaftline monitoring and bearing condition prognostics.Leveraging a hybrid of AI and physics-based models, the system's primary objective is to accurately estimate bearing loads, predict abnormal system operation, and identify impending failures without invasive bearing and shaft sensors, with the goal of enhancing propulsion safety and reliability. The framework integrates shaft alignment theory and multiphysics bearing simulations with machine learning algorithms to generate a dynamic virtual representation of the propulsion system. This high-fidelity digital twin may be used to provide continuous, predictive insights into structural health across diverse operational conditions, forming the basis for advanced predictive maintenance strategies. The framework has been systematically developed and validated through the i-Marine and S-PRISMoID research projects, which established small- and medium-scale experimental facilities and a physical twin of an in-service vessel. This multi-stage process enabled rigorous testing, moving from controlled laboratory settings to real-world pilot applications, confirming the model's fidelity and practical applicability. Looking forward, the strategic roadmap focuses on transitioning this technology from research to industrial adoption. Our priorities focus on validation of the framework's robustness and scalability across different vessel types, sizes and operational profiles. Subsequent steps involve developing standardized monitoring protocols for industrial integration and collaborating with classification societies to achieve regulatory acceptance. The present initiative aims to deliver safer, more reliable, and more efficient marine propulsion systems for the next generation of smart maritime assets.
Professor Roham Rafiee
Keynote speech title: Predicting Long-Term Composite Pipe Performance from Limited Experimental Data: An Industrial Solution
Biography:
Prof. Roham RAFIEEhas received his PhD in 2010 in mechanical engineering focusing on nanocomposites from Iran University of Science and Technology. He has completed his MSc and BSc studies both in the general field of composite materials and structures. He began his industrial experience in different sectors including wind turbines, composite pipes, strategic planning and technology transfer projects since 1999. He joined the University of Tehran in 2011 and founded the Composites Research Laboratory (www.COMRESLAB.com). His research interests can be summarized as multi-scale modelling of nanocomposites, mechanics of composite materials, design and analysis of composite structures, fatigue modelling of composite structures, finite element modelling and analysis. He is also senior consultant of different companies and industrial group. He has been involved in 25 different applied research and industrial projects from 2008 at both national and international levels. He is a member of several graduate student thesis advisory committees and also collaborating with universities worldwide. Prof. Rafiee has published 101 papers indexed by WOS, 81 international conference papers and five book chapters in Woodhead publishing, Springer, Taylor & Francis and World academic publishing. He is also editor of a book entitled as "Carbon Nanotube Reinforced Polymers: From Nano to Macro" in Elsevier Science & Technology Books. He has also registered three patents in the field of nanocomposites and composite structures. Recently he has registered a US patent in the field of nanocomposites. He was selected as the Young Distinguished Research in University of Tehran in 2015. He was also selected as the Distinguished Teacher in University of Tehran in 2017. The research project of Prof. Rafiee entitled “Modeling Creep in Composite Pipes” has been selected as the Distinguished Fundamental Research Plan in the 26th Research Festival at University of Tehran in 2017. COMRESLAB has been also selected as the distinguished research laboratory in the 31st Research Festival at University of Tehran in 2022. Prof. Rafiee has been selected as one of the distinguished professors with high level of international activities in the International Festival of University of Tehran in 2024. The master’s and PhD’s theses of his students have been selected as the best theses on the national level by different scientific associations seven times. He was included in the list of highly cited researchers in the discipline of Materials according to the released report by Stanford University since 2020.
Abstract:
Composite pipes used in infrastructure applications are required by international standards to guarantee functionality for a period of 50 years. Designing for such extended lifespans presents significant challenges, particularly when meeting severe long-term performance requirements. Dictated by international rules and regulations, qualification procedures involve costly and time-consuming experimental programs exceeding two years. These qualification tests should be repeated for each new layup configuration. The lengthy and costly nature of the aforementioned certification process has become a significant challenge, serving as the primary obstacle that prevents industrial producers from developing new products. It can also considerably delay the launch of mass production for new designs. To overcome this barrier, this study introduces a computational modeling framework that predicts the long-term residual properties of composite pipes subjected to either constant internal pressure or constant transverse compressive loading over a 50-year period. The model evaluates the long-term creep performance of composite pipes based on limited short-term experimental data and has been validated through an experimental campaign on full-scale industrial pipes, demonstrating high predictive accuracy. In addition to long-term creep modeling under dry conditions, the effect of water absorption is also incorporated to enable compliance with wet-creep conditions. While qualification testing remains essential, the proposed methodology offers an alternative testing protocol that compresses the certification timeline to just three months—opening a pathway for accelerated product validation and industrial deployment.
Professor Guanyun WANG
Keynote speech title: Smart Materials and Product Innovation Design
Biography:
Prof. Guanyun WANG is Associate Dean of the Department of Industrial Design, Zhejiang University. He is a recipient of the National Science Fund for Excellent Young Scholars and the Zhejiang Distinguished Young Scholar Award. His research interests include tangible interaction, bio-inspired morphing design, and 4D printing. His work has been published in Nature, Science Advances, CHI, UIST, and UbiComp. His design projects have received international recognition, including the Red Dot, iF, and Ars Electronica awards, and have been exhibited at the China Design Exhibition, Dubai Design Week, and the London Design Biennale.
Abstract:
Smart materials can sense environmental changes and autonomously adjust their properties, enabling functions such as self-diagnosis, self-regulation, self-morphing, and self-healing. Looking ahead, where will the boundaries of smart material design expand? This keynote envisions the future of smart materials, exploring how research in intelligent materials, personalized manufacturing, and innovative design methods can open an imaginative and creative world in the age of intelligence.
Professor Xipei REN
Keynote speech title: Data-Enabled Design for Smart Health Innovation
Biography:
Xipei Ren is an Associate Professor of Industrial Design at the University of Macau. Before joining UM, he worked as an associate professor and the director of the intelligent design department at Beijing Institute of Technology, as a data scientist at HumanTotalCare (Netherlands), and as a postdoc researcher at Eindhoven University of Technology (where he received his Ph.D. degree). With strong interests in promoting high-impact, interdisciplinary design research, Prof. Ren leads the Lab of Design Intelligence for Vitality (DIV Lab), as well as serves as an executive member of China Computer Federation (CCF) human-computer interaction committee and an adjunct PhD mentor at Shanghai AI Academy. He has been the Associate Chair of CHI 2026 and TEI 2024, the guest associate editor of Journal of Engineering Design and Behaviour & Information Technology, and the reviewer of multiple internationally recognized journals and conferences in the fields of human-computer interaction and digital health. Prof. Ren has been the recipient of more than 10 competitive research grants, including the National Science Fund of China (NSFC), the National Social Science Fund of China (NSSFC), and the Dutch Research Council Creative Industries Grant (NWO-KIEM). He has published more than 60 SCI/SSCI/A&HCI/EI indexed scientific papers and received more than 10 invention patents and software copyrights. His design works have been exhibited in various globally recognised design events, including the Dutch Design Week, the ACM CHI Interactivity, and the World Design Capital Expo.
Abstract:
With the rapid advancement of human-computer interaction and pervasive computing, diverse forms of data have come to play a pivotal role across various stages of intelligent product innovation. This development opens up significant opportunities for designers and design researchers to engage with real-world contexts through interdisciplinary approaches. Using the healthcare setting as an example, this keynote will illustrate how data can contribute to design innovation and foster meaningful user-system interactions, supported by several case studies.
Agenda
To be updated
Thematic Areas
The thematic areas focus on advanced engineering and product development, including materials, structures, powertrains, sensing and actuation, control and intelligence, manufacturing and use.
- New materials and their properties | metamaterials | multifunctional materials | nanomaterials and nanostructures | ageing and deterioration in hostile environments | sustainability and life cycle | human-material interactions – must discuss design affordances and potential applications to design
- Structural design | topologically complex structures | topology optimisation | fabrication | strength and failure | structural dynamics | damping | non-linear models | human-structure interactions | form-giving and physical ergonomy – must discuss design affordances and potential applications to design
- Powertrain system architectures and principles | energy generation and conversion, energy storage | harvesting | efficiency | thermal management | failure and reliability | dynamics | mechanical and multiphysical principles and hybrid architectures | new principles and architectures – must discuss design affordances and potential applications to design
- Sensing and actuation | multiphysical principles, accuracy | repeatability | efficiency | signal transmission and processing | cognitive ergonomy – must discuss design affordances and potential applications to design
- Control systems and models | machine learning and intelligence | robustness etc.– must discuss design affordances and potential applications to design
- Manufacturing methods and processes | physical principles | efficiency and waste | sustainability etc.– must discuss design affordances and potential applications to design
- Artefact use and user-centred design | agile development methods | systems modelling | agent-based models | systems modelling | sustainable development etc.
- Design methodology | knowledge representation and management | cognitive modelling | machine learning and intelligence | computer-aided design and engineering | design support systems | decision making systems etc.
Organising Committee
Yong Ren
Yixiang Xu
Bingjian Liu
Jiang Wu
Dunant Halim
Adam Rushworth
Salman Ijaz
Scientific Committee
Professor Christos Spitas
Professor Vasilios Spitas
Professor Ioannis Antoniadis
Professor Christophoros Provativis
Professor Dimitrios Koulocheris
Professor Dimitrios Manolakos
Dr Aggelos Markopoulos
Professor Xiaogang Yang
Professor Xu Sun
Professor Hao Chen
Professor Haonan Li
Professor Jian Yang
Venue and Direction
Conference Venue
The conference will be held at the University of Nottingham Ningbo China (UNNC), a prestigious international university located in the heart of Ningbo. The university offers state-of-the-art facilities and a conducive environment for academic and professional gatherings.
Address: University of Nottingham Ningbo China
199 Taikang East Road Ningbo, 315100
Zhejiang Province, China
Directions to the University
From Ningbo Lishe International Airport (NGB):
- By Taxi: Taxis are readily available at the airport. The journey to UNNC takes approximately 30 minutes and costs around 100 CNY.
- By Public Transport: Take the airport shuttle bus to Ningbo Railway Station. From there, take Bus 369 directly to the university.
From Ningbo Railway Station:
- By Taxi: A taxi ride from the railway station to the university takes about 20 minutes and costs around 50 CNY.
- By Bus: Take Bus 369 or Bus 368 directly to the university.
Campus Map
For your convenience, a detailed campus map can be found here.
Contact
For submission and queries:
csiaed2025@nottingham.edu.cn