Academic Credentials
  • Ph.D., Thermal Science, University of Nantes, 2010
  • M.S., Mechanical Engineering, Lebanese University, 2007
  • M.S., Energy and Thermal Sciences, University of Nantes, 2007
Academic Appointments
  • Associate Professor, Mechanical Engineering Department, Notre Dame University, Lebanon, 2015-2021.
  • Assistant Professor, Mechanical Engineering Department, Lebanese International University, 2011-2015.
  • Thermofluids Research Group Leader, Lebanese International University, 2013-2015.
  • Postdoctoral Fellow, IMT Nord Europe, France, 2010-2011.
Professional Honors
  • Physical Review E, Paper in Editors’ Suggestion and Feature in Physics and Los Angeles Times, 2022.
  • Board of Deans Honor for distinguished promotion file to associate professor rank at Notre Dame University, Lebanon 2021.
  • HDR Committee Honor for distinguished Habilitation to Direct Research thesis, 2019.
  • International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), Vienna, Austria, Research and training in thermonuclear fusion - Scientific Staff, 2018-2020.
  • Agence Universitaire de la Francophonie (AUF), France, 3D printed preterm thermal manikin - Principal Investigator, 2017-2019.
  • Best paper award at the Global Health Conference, IARIA, 2016.
  • PhD Committee Honor for distinguished Ph.D., 2010.
  • M.S .program honor list for highest grade in promotion, 2007.
Professional Affiliations
  • ASME, Member, Fluids Engineering Division, Heat Transfer Division, since 2013.
  • NFPA, Member, since 2022.
  • Order of Engineers and Architectures in Lebanon, Beirut, Professional Engineer, since 2010.
  • Structures Computer Interaction Lab, UCLA, Research Collaborator, since 2019.

Dr. Habchi is an expert in heat and mass transfer analyses, with a strong emphasis on computational fluid dynamics (CFD), where he excels as both a developer and user. Dr. Habchi has successfully completed numerous projects focused on the design and optimization of various thermal systems. His work includes the analysis of heat exchangers, chemical reactors, static mixers, electronic cooling devices, and infant incubators. Additionally, in his role as independent consultant between 2010 and 2022, he has significant experience in smoke and fire management in car parks and large atria, wind load simulations, and pipe stress analysis. Dr. Habchi's expertise extends to thermo/mechanical analysis, heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system analysis, fluid-structure interaction, and flow-induced vibration addressing challenges such as flexible vortex generators and the vibrations of nuclear fuel assemblies during seismic events and loss-of-coolant accidents (LOCAs).

In his professional career, Dr. Habchi has engaged in thermo/mechanical design and optimization, contributing to the development of probes for tokamaks that evaluate plasma properties in fusion research. He has also conducted wind load simulations for tall buildings and towers, ensuring structural integrity across various environmental conditions. His extensive experience further includes pipe stress simulations, critical for the safe operation of power plants and municipal water pipe networks.

In addition to numerical modeling using CFD and FEA methods, Dr. Habchi's research utilizes advanced experimental techniques for flow measurements, such as Particle Image Velocimetry (PIV), Laser Doppler Velocimetry (LDV), and Particle Tracking Velocimetry (PTV). He employs chemical methods and spectrometry for mixing quantification, alongside thermocouples and infrared thermography for comprehensive thermal evaluations.

With nearly ten years of experience as a university professor, Dr. Habchi has taught numerous courses in the thermofluids track and has served as a principal investigator in various research and development projects. His academic contributions include over 70 published journal articles and active participation in numerous international conferences, where he shares his insights with the broader scientific community. Driven by a passion for advancing the field, Dr. Habchi remains committed to developing innovative solutions to complex engineering challenges.