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  • Dr Ana Vafadar

    Dr Ana Vafadar

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Dr Ana Vafadar

Senior Lecturer

Staff Member Details
Telephone: +61 8 6304 4685
Facsimile: +61 8 6304 5811
Email: a.vafadar@ecu.edu.au
Campus: Joondalup  
ORCID iD: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7697-6443

Dr Ana Vafadar is a Senior Lecturer in Mechanical Engineering, Deputy Leader of the Mineral Recovery Research Centre (MRRC), and Discipline Professional Practice Coordinator at Edith Cowan University’s School of Engineering. Her multidisciplinary research integrates materials engineering, mechanical design, design optimisation, advanced manufacturing and sustainable engineering. Her expertise includes computer-aided design and manufacturing (CAD/CAM), additive manufacturing, topology optimisation, engineering simulation, and manufacturing-system design and optimisation.

Her current research applies mechanical design and optimisation principles to develop advanced engineering technologies, including additive manufacturing applications and biomedical devices. Her work focuses on improving product performance, manufacturing efficiency, material utilisation and sustainability through numerical modelling, experimental investigation and design-led engineering solutions.

Dr Vafadar has authored peer-reviewed publications in mechanical design, advanced manufacturing, materials engineering, process optimisation and thermal-fluid systems. She collaborates with academic, healthcare and industry partners on applied research projects involving manufacturing innovation, mineral processing and biomedical devices. She held an ECU Vice-Chancellor’s Teaching and Research Fellowship from 2019 to 2021, received the 2020 ECU Vice-Chancellor’s Staff Excellence Award for Innovative Teaching, and was selected for ECU’s 2025 Vantage: Path to Impact Commercialisation Pre-Acceleration Program. Her research focuses on translating mechanical engineering knowledge into practical technologies that improve industrial efficiency, sustainability, and societal outcomes.

Current Teaching:

  • ENM1102 Engineering Drawing and Computer-Aided Design
  • ENS2170/ENS6138 Principles of Industrial Maintenance
  • ENS2214/ENS6105 Computer-Aided Design and Manufacturing

Research Leadership and Service:

  • Deputy Leader, Mineral Recovery Research Centre (MRRC)
  • Discipline Professional Practice Coordinator

Awards and Recognition:

  • 2025: Winner (First Prize), Vantage: Path to Impact Commercialisation Pre-Acceleration Program, Edith Cowan University School of Engineering.
  • 2020: ECU Vice-Chancellor’s Staff Excellence Award – Innovative Teaching

Research Areas and Interests:

  • Materials engineering
  • Mechanical design and manufacturing processes
  • Computer-aided design and manufacturing (CAD/CAM)
  • Additive and advanced manufacturing
  • Topology and shape optimisation
  • Engineering simulation and numerical modelling
  • Manufacturing-system design and optimisation
  • Cost analysis and decision-making models
  • Biomedical devices and transdermal drug-delivery technologies
  • Sustainable manufacturing
  • Mineral resource recovery

Qualifications

  • Doctor of Philosophy, Edith Cowan University, 2017.

Research Outputs

2026

Journal Articles

  • Yasmin, F., Vafadarshamasbi, A., Tolouei Rad, M. (2026). Additive manufacturing and heat treatment of zero poisson’s ratio self-expanding nitinol stents. Progress in Additive Manufacturing, 2026(article in press), pp. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40964-026-01620-z.
  • Ali, S., Habib, N., Ahmad, F., Sharif, A., Vafadarshamasbi, A. (2026). Performance investigation of microchannel heat sink with biomimetic trefoil cavities on different walls. International Journal of Thermal Sciences, 219(2026), article number 110225. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijthermalsci.2025.110225.
  • Yasmin, F., Vafadarshamasbi, A., Tolouei Rad, M. (2026). Additive manufacturing and heat treatment of zero poisson’s ratio self-expanding nitinol stents. Progress in Additive Manufacturing, Not assigned(Not assigned), 1-21. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40964-026-01620-z.
  • Yasmin, F., Vafadarshamasbi, A., Tolouei Rad, M. (2026). Numerical Evaluation of a Zero Poisson’s Ratio Structure in µ-3D-Printed Self-Expanding Nitinol Stents. Micromachines, 17(6), 736. https://doi.org/10.3390/mi17060736.
  • Habib, N., Guzzomi, N., Vafadarshamasbi, A. (2026). Numerically evaluating the effect of extrusion angle on material flow and thermal behaviour during additive friction extrusion deposition (AFED). International Journal of Advanced Manufacturing Technology, 143(5-Jun), 3395-3411. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00170-026-17589-6.
  • Gonbadi, M., Abrishami, S., Boroumand, Y., Vafadarshamasbi, A., Wajrak, M., Razmjou Chaharmahali, A. (2026). Liquid membranes for the selective extraction of lithium ions from brine: A review. Journal of Water Process Engineering, 86(April 2026), Article number 109928. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jwpe.2026.109928.

2025

Journal Articles

  • Yasmin, F., Vafadarshamasbi, A., Tolouei Rad, M. (2025). Application of Additive Manufacturing in the Development of Polymeric Bioresorbable Cardiovascular Stents: A Review. Advanced Materials Technologies, 10(1), article number 2400210. https://doi.org/10.1002/admt.202400210.
  • Habib, N., Vafadarshamasbi, A., Guzzomi, N. (2025). A comparative study of aluminium properties manufactured using additive friction stir deposition (AFSD) and wire arc additive manufacturing (WAAM). Progress in Additive Manufacturing, 10(11), 8963-8983. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40964-025-01217-y.

2024

Journal Articles

  • Perera, P., Hayward, K., Guzzomi, N., Vafadarshamasbi, A. (2024). Erosion wear characterisation of an open Ductile Iron butterfly valve subjected to Aluminium Oxide particle slurry flow. Tribology International, 191(2024), article number 109199. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.triboint.2023.109199.
  • Hurry, A., Vafadarshamasbi, A., Hayward, K., Guzzomi, N., Rauthan, K. (2024). Numerical investigation of the thermo-hydraulic performance of a shark denticle-inspired plate fin heat exchanger. Applied Thermal Engineering, 239(2024), article number 122192. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.applthermaleng.2023.122192.
  • Makhesana, MA., Vesuwala, H., Patel, KM., Vafadarshamasbi, A., Sarikaya, M., Khanna, N. (2024). Assessing the cooling/lubricating agencies for sustainable alternatives during machining of Nimonic 80: Economic and environmental impacts. Heliyon, 10(8), article number e29238. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e29238.

2023

Journal Articles

  • Jones, J., Vafadarshamasbi, A., Hashemi, R. (2023). A Review of the Mechanical Properties of 17-4PH Stainless Steel Produced by Bound Powder Extrusion. Journal of Manufacturing and Materials Processing, 7(5), Article number 162. https://doi.org/10.3390/jmmp7050162.
  • Hurry, A., Hayward, K., Guzzomi, N., Rauthan, K., Vafadarshamasbi, A. (2023). Thermo-hydraulic performance evaluation of a NACA 63-015 heat exchanger with shark denticles as surface textures. International Journal of Heat and Mass Transfer, 216(2023), article number 124591. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijheatmasstransfer.2023.124591.

2022

Book Chapters

  • Llanto, J., Vafadarshamasbi, A., Tolouei Rad, M. (2022). Multi-objective Optimisation in Abrasive Waterjet Contour Cutting of AISI 304L. Production Engineering and Robust Control (35). Intech Open. https://doi.org/10.5772/intechopen.106817.

2021

Journal Articles

  • Khanna, N., Zadafiya, K., Patel, T., Kaynak, Y., Rashid, R., Vafadarshamasbi, A. (2021). Review on machining of additively manufactured Nickel and Titanium alloys. Journal of Materials Research and Technology, 15(November–December 2021), 3192-3221. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jmrt.2021.09.088.
  • Ali, S., Ahmad, F., Akhtar, K., Habib, N., Aamir, M., Giasin, K., Vafadarshamasbi, A., Pimenov, D. (2021). Numerical Investigation of Microchannel Heat Sink with Trefoil Shape Ribs. Energies, 14(20), Article number 6764. https://doi.org/10.3390/en14206764.
  • Aamir, M., Davis, A., Keeble , W., Koklu , U., Giasin , K., Vafadarshamasbi, A., Tolouei Rad, M. (2021). The Effect of TiN-, TiCN-, TiAlN-, and TiSiN Coated Tools on the Surface Defects and Geometric Tolerances of Holes in Multi-Spindle Drilling of Al2024 Alloy. Metals, 11(7), Article number 1103. https://doi.org/10.3390/met11071103.
  • Rauthan, K., Guzzomi, N., Vafadarshamasbi, A., Hayward, K., Hurry, A. (2021). Experimental Investigation of Pressure Drop Performance of Smooth and Dimpled Single Plate-Fin Heat Exchangers. Metals, 11(11), Article number 1757. https://doi.org/10.3390/met11111757.
  • Aamir, M., Tolouei Rad, M., Giasin , K., Vafadarshamasbi, A., Koklu , U., Keeble , W. (2021). Evaluation of the Surface Defects and Dimensional Tolerances in Multi-Hole Drilling of AA5083, AA6061, and AA2024. Applied Sciences, 11(9), Article number 4285. https://doi.org/10.3390/app11094285.
  • Llanto, J., Tolouei Rad, M., Vafadarshamasbi, A., Aamir, M. (2021). Recent Progress Trend on Abrasive Waterjet Cutting of Metallic Materials: A Review. Applied Sciences, 11(8), Article number 3344. https://doi.org/10.3390/app11083344.
  • Llanto, J., Vafadarshamasbi, A., Aamir, M., Tolouei Rad, M. (2021). Analysis and Optimization of Process Parameters in Abrasive Waterjet Contour Cutting of AISI 304L. Metals, 11(9), Article number 1362. https://doi.org/10.3390/met11091362.
  • Llanto, J., Tolouei Rad, M., Vafadarshamasbi, A., Aamir, M. (2021). Impacts of Traverse Speed and Material Thickness on Abrasive Waterjet Contour Cutting of Austenitic Stainless Steel AISI 304L. Applied Sciences, 11(11), Article number 4925. https://doi.org/10.3390/app11114925.
  • Vafadarshamasbi, A., Guzzomi, N., Hayward, K. (2021). Experimental Investigation and Comparison of the Thermal Performance of Additively and Conventionally Manufactured Heat Exchangers. Metals, 11(4), Article number 574. https://doi.org/10.3390/met11040574.
  • Vafadarshamasbi, A., Guzzomi, N., Rassau, A., Hayward, K. (2021). Advances in Metal Additive Manufacturing: A Review of Common Processes, Industrial Applications, and Current Challenges. Applied Sciences, 11(3), Article number 1213. https://doi.org/10.3390/app11031213.

2020

Journal Articles

  • Aamir, M., Tolouei Rad, M., Vafadarshamasbi, A., Raja, N., Giasin, K. (2020). Performance Analysis of Multi-Spindle Drilling of Al2024 with TiN and TiCN Coated Drills Using Experimental and Artificial Neural Networks Technique. Applied Sciences, 10(23), Article number 8633. https://doi.org/10.3390/app10238633.
  • Aamir, M., Giasin, K., Tolouei Rad, M., Vafadarshamasbi, A. (2020). A review: drilling performance and hole quality of aluminium alloys for aerospace applications. Journal of Materials Research and Technology, 9(6), 12484-12500. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jmrt.2020.09.003.
  • Aamir, M., Tolouei Rad, M., Giasin, K., Vafadarshamasbi, A. (2020). Machinability of Al2024, Al6061, and Al5083 alloys using multi-hole simultaneous drilling approach. Journal of Materials Research and Technology, 9(5), 10991-11002. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jmrt.2020.07.078.
  • Aamir, M., Tolouei Rad, M., Giasin, K., Vafadarshamasbi, A. (2020). Feasibility of tool configuration and the effect of tool material, and tool geometry in multi-hole simultaneous drilling of Al2024. International Journal of Advanced Manufacturing Technology, 111(3-4), 861–879. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00170-020-06151-7.
  • Aamir, M., Tu, S., Tolouei Rad, M., Giasin, K., Vafadarshamasbi, A. (2020). Optimization and modeling of process parameters in multi-hole simultaneous drilling using taguchi method and fuzzy logic approach. Materials, 13(3), Article number 680. https://doi.org/10.3390/ma13030680.

2019

Journal Articles

  • Aamir, M., Tolouei Rad, M., Ud Din, I., Giasin, K., Vafadarshamasbi, A. (2019). Performance of SAC305 and SAC305-0.4La lead free electronic solders at high temperature. Soldering and Surface Mount Technology, 31(4), 250-260. https://doi.org/10.1108/SSMT-01-2019-0001.
  • Vafadarshamasbi, A., Tolouei Rad, M., Hayward, K. (2019). An integrated model to use drilling modular machine tools. International Journal of Advanced Manufacturing Technology, 102(5-8), 2387-2397. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00170-019-03387-w.
  • Masoudi, S., Mirabdolahi, M., Dayyani, M., Jafarian, F., Vafadarshamasbi, A., Dorali, MR. (2019). Development of an intelligent model to optimize heat-affected zone, kerf, and roughness in 309 stainless steel plasma cutting by using experimental results. Materials and Manufacturing Processes, 34(3), 345-356. https://doi.org/10.1080/10426914.2018.1532579.

2018

Journal Articles

  • Masoudi, S., Vafadarshamasbi, A., Hadad, M., Jafarian, F. (2018). Experimental investigation into the effects of nozzle position, workpiece hardness, and tool type in MQL turning of AISI 1045 steel. Materials and Manufacturing Processes, 33(9), 1011-1019. https://doi.org/10.1080/10426914.2017.1401716.

2017

Journal Articles

  • Vafadarshamasbi, A., Hayward, K., Tolouei Rad, M. (2017). Drilling reconfigurable machine tool selection and process parameters optimization as a function of product demand. Journal of Manufacturing Systems, 45(August 2017), 58-69. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jmsy.2017.08.004.
  • Masoudi, S., Gholami, M., Janghorban Lariche, M., Vafadarshamasbi, A. (2017). Infrared temperature measurement and increasing infrared measurement accuracy in the context of machining process. Advances in Production Engineering and Management, 12(4), 353-362. https://doi.org/10.14743/apem2017.4.263.
  • Vafadarshamasbi, A., Hayward, K., Tolouei Rad, M. (2017). Sensitivity analysis for justification of utilising special purpose machine tools in the presence of uncertain parameters. International Journal of Production Research, 55(13), 3842-3861. https://doi.org/10.1080/00207543.2017.1308032.

Conference Publications

  • Vafadarshamasbi, A., Tolouei Rad, M., Hayward, K. (2017). Evaluation of the effect of product demand uncertainty on manufacturing system selection. Procedia Manufacturing (1735-1743). Elsevier. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.promfg.2017.07.301.

2016

Journal Articles

  • Vafadarshamasbi, A., Tolouei Rad, M., Hayward, K., Abhary, K. (2016). Technical feasibility analysis of utilizing special purpose machine tools. Journal of Manufacturing Systems, 39(2016), 53–62. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jmsy.2016.02.003.
  • Vafadarshamasbi, A., Tolouei Rad, M., Hayward, K. (2016). New cost model for feasibility analysis of utilising special purpose machine tools. International Journal of Production Research, 54(24), 7330-7344. https://doi.org/10.1080/00207543.2016.1181283.

Research Projects

  • ARC Industrial Transformation Research Hub for Critical Energy Separation Materials (ARC CREST), Australian Research Council, Industrial Transformation Research Hubs, 2026 ‑ 2031, $908,156.
  • Lithium salts production from spodumene in molten salt electrolyte , Element Zero, Industry Engagement (Contribution to PhD Project), 2025 ‑ 2030, $98,000.
  • Iron ore dissolution and electrowinning from ore in molten salt electrolyte, Element Zero, Industry Engagement (Contribution to PhD Project), 2025 ‑ 2030, $67,500.
  • Innovative Digital Insulin Transdermal Delivery System for Type 2 Diabetes Management, Department of Health WA, Future Health Research and Innovation Fund - Innovative Solutions - Digital Health, 2024 ‑ 2026, $100,000.
  • Application of Advanced Manufacturing to the Development of High Efficiency Heat Exchangers , Edith Cowan University, ECU Early Career Researcher Grant - 2019, 2019 ‑ 2020, $30,000.

Research Student Supervision

Current Supervisions

Principal Supervisor

  • Doctor of Philosophy, Design and development of an additive friction stir deposition (AFSD) tool with enhanced performance

Co-principal Supervisor

  • Doctor of Philosophy, Selective Separation of Iron from Aluminium-Rich Acidic Chloride Liquors Using Speciation-Controlled Membrane Processes for High-Purity Alumina Production

Associate Supervisor

  • Doctor of Philosophy, Development of Composite Membrane for Efficient Lithium Recovery from Brine.
  • Doctor of Philosophy, 4D-printing of a customized self-expandable cardiovascular stent using a negative Poisson’s ratio structure
  • Doctor of Philosophy, The underutilisation of general-purpose metal additive manufacturing leading to an alternative consumable
  • Doctor of Philosophy, Iron ore dissolution and electrowinning from ore in molten salt electrolyte
  • Doctor of Philosophy, Advanced functional membranes for CO₂ capture and CO₂/CH₄ separation: Accelerating technologies for carbon management.

Completed Supervisions

Principal Supervisor

  • Doctor of Philosophy, Optimisation of the Butterfly Valve Disk to Improve Service Life and Minimise Erosion
  • Doctor of Philosophy, Biomimicry for the shape optimisation of heat exchangers: Exploring hydrodynamic profiles inspired by shark denticles

Co-principal Supervisor

  • Master of Engineering Science, Investigation of Surface Textures on Thermal and Pressure Drop Performance of Plate-Fin Heat Exchangers

Associate Supervisor

  • Doctor of Philosophy, Simultaneous machining of aerospace structural materials using poly-drills
  • Master of Engineering Science, Optimisation of process parameters in abrasive water jet contour cutting of AISI 304L
  • Doctor of Philosophy, Mechanical and low-cycle fatigue performance of polymeric bone scaffolds
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