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

Managing 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 combustion devices. He has investigated numerous compressor, gas and wind turbine failures, and provided engineering opinions regarding the design of various components. Dr. Ibrahim has analyzed performance and emissions issues on a wide range of units manufactured by: GE, Rolls-Royce, Pratt &Whitney, Siemens, and Solar Turbines among others.

Dr. Ibrahim has expertise in conducting engineering origin and cause investigations of fires and explosions and has been retained to provide assistance on large and small losses by various utilities, insurance companies, and individual plaintiffs.

Prior to joining Exponent, Dr. Ibrahim worked as a research consultant at Solar Turbines Incorporated where he developed tools to predict and mitigate the impact of combustion-driven acoustic instabilities. 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. He 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, #M 34508
    • Hazardous Waste Operations and Emergency Response Training (Per Cal-OSHA GISO 5192 and 29 CFR 1910.120); Confined Space Entry Training
    • Certificate in Helicopter Accident Investigation, University of Southern California
    • Certificate in Gas Turbine Accident Investigation, University of Southern California
    • Certificate in Centrifugal Compressor Design and Performance, Concepts NREC
    • Certified Master Scuba Diver, Professional Association of Diving Instructors—PADI

  • Arabic