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Zuhair M. Ibrahim, Ph.D., P.E.

Senior Engineer

Thermal Sciences

Professional Profile


Dr. Ibrahim applies mechanical engineering, thermodynamic, and fluid dynamic principles to the study of processes in turbomachinery, fires, explosions, and a variety of other combustion devices. Dr. Ibrahim is especially interested in investigation and analysis of problems related to turbo machinery and combustion. He has analytic and experimental experience with the analysis of thermo-acoustic instabilities in gas turbines.

Prior to joining Exponent, Dr. Ibrahim worked as a combustion consultant at Solar Turbines Incorporated. His research involved developing tools to predict and mitigate the impact of combustion-driven acoustic instabilities on gas turbines used for power generation. He has also worked as a research engineer at United Technologies Research Center (Pratt and Whitney R&D group), where he carried out numerous studies related to the investigation, optimization, and enhancement of turbine, afterburner, and rocket performance.

Dr. Ibrahim also served as a country consultant with the United Nations Development Programme in East Africa where he helped oversee the implementation of several infrastructure projects.

  • Ph.D., Aerospace Engineering, University of California, San Diego, 2007
  • M.Sc., Management, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, 2002
  • M.Eng., Aerospace Engineering, University of Alabama, Huntsville, 2000
  • United Technologies Research Center’s Outstanding Technical Achievement Award, June 2003
  • AIAA award for 2nd Place Technical Paper in South-Eastern Student Conference, April 2000

    • Registered Professional Mechanical Engineer, California, #M034508
    • Traffic Accident Investigation I, Northwestern University, 2008
    • Gas Turbine Accident Investigation, University of Southern California, 2007
    • Centrifugal Compressor Design and Performance, Concepts NREC, 2002
    • Master Scuba Diver, Professional Association of Diving Instructors, 2001

  • Arabic