Dr. Youcef Bouaichaoui | Computational Fluid Dynamics | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Youcef Bouaichaoui | Computational Fluid Dynamics | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Youcef Bouaichaoui , Centre de Recherche Nucléaire de Birine (CRNB)/Commissariat de l’Energie Atomique (COMENA)/Algérie , Algeria.

Dr. Youcef Bouaichaoui 🎓 is a seasoned mechanical and nuclear engineer from Algeria 🇩🇿, currently serving at the Centre de Recherche Nucléaire de Birine (CRNB) under the Commissariat de l’Energie Atomique (COMENA). With over 25 years of academic and technical experience, he has led and contributed to multiple international projects coordinated by the IAEA 🌍, focusing on thermal-hydraulics, CFD safety analysis, and nuclear desalination 💧⚛️. He has presented globally 🌐, chaired technical sessions, and contributed to nuclear safety education and simulations. His research is cited internationally, with an h-index of 5 📚, showcasing his influence in the nuclear research community.

Professional Profile

Scopus
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Education & Experience 

  • 🎓 Doctorate in Mechanical Engineering – Université des Sciences et Technologies Houari Boumediene (USTHB), Algeria (2016)

  • 🎓 Magister in Mechanical Engineering – Université Yahia Farès (UYFM), Médéa, Algeria (2006)

  • 🎓 Engineering Degree in Mechanical Engineering – Université Saad Dahleb (USDB), Blida, Algeria (1996)

  • 🧪 Chief Scientific Investigator for multiple IAEA-CRPs (2022–Present)

  • 🌍 International collaborations across Austria, Korea, Slovenia, Finland, India, and Libya

  • 💻 Expertise in CFD, deterministic safety analysis, APROS simulation, and nuclear desalination systems

  • 🎤 Session Chair at ICONE22, Prague (2014)

  • 📖 Contributing author to IAEA TECDOC-1908 (2020)

Summary Suitability

Dr. Youcef Bouaichaoui is a highly deserving candidate for the Best Researcher Award in recognition of his exceptional contributions to nuclear engineering, particularly in thermal-hydraulics, CFD safety analysis, and the integration of nuclear energy with desalination technologies. With over two decades of research excellence, Dr. Bouaichaoui has consistently demonstrated scientific rigor, innovation, and leadership at national and international levels. His work directly supports global nuclear safety standards and sustainable energy solutions.

Professional Development 

Dr. Youcef Bouaichaoui’s professional development is deeply rooted in international collaboration and advanced nuclear engineering methodologies ⚛️. He has undergone extensive training and fellowships across prestigious institutions in Finland 🇫🇮, Slovenia 🇸🇮, India 🇮🇳, and Libya 🇱🇾, focusing on CFD-based safety analysis and severe accident simulations. Through the use of advanced software such as APROS, he has mastered Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) to analyze subcooled boiling, thermal-hydraulic behavior, and nuclear system design 🌀💻. His role as Chief Scientific Investigator in multiple IAEA-CRPs has strengthened Algeria’s technical expertise in reactor safety, modeling, and non-electric nuclear applications 🌊🔋.

Research Focus

Dr. Bouaichaoui’s research centers around thermal-hydraulics, computational fluid dynamics (CFD), and nuclear safety analysis 🔥💧⚛️. His contributions have significantly advanced modeling tools for supercritical water-cooled reactors (SCWRs), simulation of severe nuclear accidents, and deterministic safety analysis 🧠📊. A strong proponent of peaceful nuclear technology applications, he has also worked on integrating nuclear energy with desalination systems to address water scarcity 🌊🔋. Through global partnerships and CRP engagements, his work supports the safe deployment of Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) and nuclear infrastructure enhancement 🌍🔎. His interdisciplinary approach blends research, training, and policy-driven implementation.

Awards and Honors 

  • 🥇 Chief Scientific Investigator for multiple IAEA CRPs on thermalhydraulics and CFD modeling

  • 🏆 Session Chair – 22nd International Conference on Nuclear Engineering (ICONE22), Prague

  • 📜 Lead Contributor – IAEA TECDOC-1908 (2020)

  • 🌐 Invited Participant – Numerous international technical meetings and training programs (IAEA, ENSTTI, VTT, IJS, BARC)

  • 🎖️ Contributor to IAEA projects on nuclear desalination and infrastructure development

Publication Top Notes

  • Economic and Safety Aspects in Nuclear Seawater Desalination
    🖊️ Y. Bouaichaoui, A. Belkaid, S.A. Amzert
    📘 Procedia Engineering, Vol. 33, pp. 146–154, 2012
    🔢 Citations: 21

  • Economic Study of Nuclear Seawater Desalination for Mostaganem Site
    🖊️ A. Belkaid, S.A. Amzert, Y. Bouaichaoui, H. Chibane
    📘 Procedia Engineering, Vol. 33, pp. 134–145, 2012
    🔢 Citations: 12

  • Experimental Measurements and CFD Simulation of Convective Boiling during Subcooled Developing Flow of R-11 within Vertical Annulus
    🖊️ Y. Bouaichaoui, R. Kibboua, M. Matković
    📘 Heat and Mass Transfer, Vol. 51, pp. 735–748, 2015
    🔢 Citations: 11

  • Fluid-to-Fluid Similarity and CFD Predictions of Surrogate Fluid as a Replacement for R11 Refrigerant Used in a Subcooled Flow Boiling Analysis: Validation Against Reference Data
    🖊️ F. Ayad, Y. Bouaichaoui, H. Aboshighiba
    📘 International Journal of Heat and Mass Transfer, Vol. 230, Article No. 125772, 2024
    🔢 Citations: 7

  • Numerical and Experimental Investigation of Convective Flow Boiling in Vertical Annulus Using CFD Code: Effect of Mass Flow Rate and Wall Heat Fluxes
    🖊️ Y. Bouaichaoui, B. Končar
    📘 Annals of Nuclear Energy, Vol. 181, Article No. 109514, 2023
    🔢 Citations: 7

  • Verification & Validation of CFD Predictions Regarding Pressurized Thermal Shock (PTS) Situations in ROCOM Installation: Comparison with IAEA Benchmark
    🖊️ F. Ayad, M. Baghdad, Y. Bouaichaoui, T. Höhne
    📘 Nuclear Engineering and Design, Vol. 413, Article No. 112498, 2023
    🔢 Citations: 5

Conclusion

Dr. Bouaichaoui’s sustained research output, leadership in internationally funded nuclear safety and desalination programs, and deep technical expertise position him among the most influential nuclear engineers in the region. His work continues to impact both theoretical advancements and practical implementation in nuclear systems. With a legacy of innovation, mentorship, and international cooperation, Dr. Bouaichaoui fully merits the Best Researcher Award for his remarkable scientific achievements and global research engagement.

Sung Woo Moon | Computational Modeling | Best Researcher Award

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Assoc. Prof. Dr. Sung Woo Moon | Computational Modeling | Best Researcher Award

Nazarbayev University, Kazakhstan

👨‍🎓Profiles

🌱 Early Academic Pursuits

He began his academic journey with a passion for engineering and sustainable development. He pursued a Ph.D. in Civil Engineering at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, focusing on seismic hazard analysis and sustainable soil stabilization. His academic foundation, paired with rigorous training in geotechnical engineering, laid the groundwork for a distinguished career in research and teaching.

🛠️ Professional Endeavors

As an Associate Professor at Nazarbayev University, Kazakhstan, He has over two decades of professional experience in seismic hazard analysis, geophysical site investigations, and sustainable infrastructure development. He has actively engaged in cross-disciplinary collaborations with prestigious institutions, including the University of Illinois, Hanyang University, and Purdue University, to address complex environmental and engineering challenges.

🔬 Contributions and Research Focus

His research centers on innovative and sustainable solutions in geotechnical engineering. He has made significant contributions to the development of eco-friendly materials, such as utilizing industrial byproducts like Phosphogypsum, GGBFS, and BOF slag for soil stabilization. His work on carbon capture and storage (CCS) using serpentinite rocks is a testament to his commitment to combating industrial CO₂ emissions. These efforts align with global climate goals and exemplify his dedication to environmental sustainability.

🌍 Impact and Influence

His pioneering research has garnered significant recognition, with over 50 publications in SCI and Scopus-indexed journals. His contributions have advanced the fields of geotechnical engineering and environmental sustainability, providing scalable solutions for resilient infrastructure and climate change mitigation. His projects, funded by competitive grants such as the NU Faculty-Development Competitive Research Grants, underscore his influence in academia and industry.

📚 Academic Citations and Publications

His extensive body of work includes over 50 published papers and a book (ISBN: 978-3-031-43454-9). His research is widely cited by peers, reflecting his impact in the academic community. He has also served on editorial boards, contributing to the advancement of scientific discourse in his field.

🧰 Technical Skills

He possesses expertise in geophysical site investigations, seismic hazard analysis, sustainable soil stabilization, and advanced CCS technologies. His ability to integrate traditional engineering principles with modern technologies demonstrates his technical acumen and innovative approach to problem-solving.

🎓 Teaching Experience

As an educator, He is committed to inspiring the next generation of engineers. At Nazarbayev University, he has designed and taught courses in civil and environmental engineering, emphasizing hands-on learning and practical applications. His mentorship has guided students toward success in research and industry.

🌟 Legacy and Future Contributions

He envisions a future where engineering solutions are both innovative and sustainable. He aims to continue his work on developing eco-friendly construction materials and advancing CCS technologies, contributing to global sustainability efforts. His legacy lies in his ability to blend interdisciplinary research with practical applications, leaving a lasting impact on the fields of engineering and environmental science.

📖Notable Publications