Dr. Syed Sajid Raza Zaidi

Lecturer (Mechanical)

Introduction

I am Dr. Syed Sajid Raza Zaidi, a Lecturer in the Department of Mechanical Engineering at NUTECH. I hold a PhD from NUST (2024), an MS from NUST (2017), and a BS from HITEC University Taxila (2013). With a diverse teaching background at institutions such as Swedish College of Engineering & Technology, HITEC University, and Beaconhouse International College, I bring over eight years of experience in academia. My primary research interests include Manufacturing Engineering, Machining, Laser Material Processing, Statistical Analysis, and Optimization. I am passionate about advancing the field of mechanical engineering through both teaching and research, focusing on real-world applications to enhance industrial processes. My teaching philosophy combines strong theoretical foundations with practical skills, ensuring students are well-equipped for the challenges of the industry.

Experience

  • Lecturer, Department of Mechanical Engineering, NUTECH (2022–Present)
    • Teach undergraduate courses in Manufacturing Engineering.
    • Conduct research in the areas of statistical analysis and optimization, focusing on improving industrial processes.
    • Mentor students in their academic and professional development, guiding them through practical engineering projects.
  • Lecturer & Coordinator of Student Affairs, Beaconhouse International College, Islamabad (2021–2022)
    • Taught various mechanical engineering courses, emphasizing practical applications and industry-relevant skills.
    • Coordinated student affairs, ensuring smooth communication between faculty and students, and organized academic events.
  • Lecturer, HITEC University Taxila (2017–2021)
    • Taught various mechanical engineering courses, focusing on hands-on learning and industry standards.
    • Contributed to curriculum development and departmental initiatives aimed at improving student learning outcomes.
  • Lecturer, Swedish College of Engineering & Technology, Wah Cantt. (2016–2017)
    • Taught introductory and advanced courses in mechanical engineering, fostering student engagement through interactive learning methods.
    • Assisted in departmental research projects related to manufacturing and machining technologies.
  • Junior Lecturer, Swedish College of Engineering & Technology, Wah Cantt. (2016)
    • Supported faculty in teaching mechanical engineering courses and conducted laboratory sessions to complement theoretical learning.

Qualification

  • Academia:
    • Ph.D. in Design and Manufacturing Engineering SMME, NUST (2024)
    • M.S. in Design and Manufacturing Engineering SMME, NUST (2017)
    • B.S. in Mechanical Engineering HITEC University Taxila (2009)

I have published 4 peer-reviewed papers in top-tier journals and conferences, such as the Heliyon, and Materials & International Conference in Manufacturing Research (ICMR).

Taught Courses

I have taught a variety of undergraduate-level courses in the Department of Mechanical Engineering. Below are the courses I have been involved in teaching:

  • Mechanics of Materials I
    An introductory course focusing on the behavior of materials under various loading conditions, covering topics such as stress, strain, axial loading, torsion, and bending in materials.
  • Mechanics of Materials II
    A continuation of Mechanics of Materials I, this course delves deeper into advanced topics such as shear stress, combined loading, deflection analysis, and the principles of material failure.
  • Engineering Physics
    A foundational course covering the basic principles of physics as they apply to engineering, including topics such as mechanics, thermodynamics, waves, and electromagnetism.
  • Manufacturing Processes
    A course that provides students with a comprehensive understanding of various manufacturing processes, including casting, forming, machining, and additive manufacturing, with an emphasis on their applications in industry.
  • Engineering Drawing
    An introductory course that teaches students the principles and techniques of technical drawing, including orthographic projections, dimensioning, and the use of CAD software for designing engineering components.
  • Materials Science and Engineering
    This course covers the relationship between the structure and properties of materials, focusing on metals, polymers, ceramics, and composites, and their applications in engineering design.
  • Refrigeration and Air Conditioning
    A course focused on the principles and technologies of refrigeration and air conditioning systems, including thermodynamics, heat transfer, and system design for various applications.
  • Internal Combustion Engines
    A course covering the design, operation, and performance analysis of internal combustion engines, including topics such as thermodynamic cycles, fuel systems, emissions, and efficiency optimization.

Research

My research focused on optimizing manufacturing processes and improving energy efficiency through the application of statistical analysis and advanced machining techniques. I investigated the impact of machining parameters on surface roughness, burr formation, and energy consumption, particularly in the milling of aluminum alloys like Al 6061-T6. Additionally, I conducted energy analysis for thermal systems, such as dew point air coolers, to enhance energy efficiency in HVAC and refrigeration technologies. My work integrated advanced statistical methods, such as the Taguchi-Grey relation approach, to assess and optimize machining performance. My recent publications include studies on machining parameters, sustainability in manufacturing, and energy analysis in cooling systems, contributing to more efficient and sustainable industrial practices.

  • Publications:
    • R. Tariq, S. M. A. Khan, S. S. Raza Zaidi, and H. A. Zafar, “Energy Analysis of a Coupled Heat and Mass Transfer Phenomenon for Dew Point Air Coolers,” ICAEM 2018 - 2018 Int. Conf. Appl. Eng. Math. Proc., no. September, pp. 42–47, 2018, doi: 10.1109/ICAEM.2018.8536292.
    • S. R. Zaidi, M. Khan, S. H. I. Jaffery, and S. S. Warsi, “Effect of Machining Parameters on Surface Roughness During Milling Operation,” in Advances in Transdisciplinary Engineering, 2021, vol. 0, pp. 175–180, doi: 10.3233/atde210033.
    • Zaidi SR, Ul Qadir N, Jaffery SHI, et al. Statistical Analysis of Machining Parameters on Burr Formation, Surface Roughness and Energy Consumption during Milling of Aluminium Alloy Al 6061-T6. Materials (Basel); 15. Epub ahead of print 2022. DOI: 10.3390/ma15228065.
    • Raza, Sajid, Shahid Ikramullah, Muhammad Ali, Iftikhar Faraz, Syed Husain, Imran Jaffery, and Jana Petru. 2024. “Sustainability Assessment of Machining Al 6061-T6 Using Taguchi-Grey Relation Integrated Approach.” Heliyon 10(13):e33726.

Projects

• Leaf Spring Test Bench (2022): Led the design and development of a test bench to evaluate the mechanical properties of leaf springs used in automotive applications. The project aims to improve the durability and performance of suspension systems, with successful prototype testing completed.

• Punching Machine Using Geneva Mechanism (2022): Designed and fabricated a punching machine that utilizes the Geneva mechanism for precise, intermittent motion. This project aimed to enhance the efficiency and accuracy of punching operations in manufacturing.

• Design and Fabrication of Brown Sugar Making Machine (2022): Spearheaded the design and development of a machine for producing brown sugar, focusing on optimizing the extraction and crystallization processes. The machine was successfully fabricated and tested, offering a more efficient alternative for small-scale sugar production.

• Design and Fabrication of Electric Tri-Wheeler (2024): Led the design and fabrication of an electric tri-wheeler, aiming to provide an eco-friendly transportation solution. The project focused on reducing energy consumption and enhancing the vehicle’s operational efficiency, with successful trials conducted.

• Design and Fabrication of Road Cleaning Mechanism (2024): Collaborated in the design and fabrication of an automated road cleaning mechanism that uses advanced sensors and mechanical systems to clean roads efficiently. The project was deployed for use in urban environments to reduce manual labor and improve cleanliness.

• Design and Fabrication of 3D Printing Filament Making Machine (2024): Led the design and fabrication of a machine to produce 3D printing filament from recycled plastic. The project aimed to reduce material waste and promote sustainability by providing an efficient, cost-effective solution for filament production.