Education & Employment Background
Dr. Hegab is an Assistant Professor in the School of Engineering, College of Engineering and Physical Sciences. He earned his PhD in Mechanical Engineering from Ontario Tech University in 2018. He held postdoctoral research positions at AMTC-NRC and McGill University, and was a Sessional Lecturer at Ontario Tech. In 2022, he worked as an Operations Research Analyst at Canadian Nuclear Laboratories, followed by an Assistant Professorship at United Arab Emirates University before joining the University of Guelph. Dr. Hegab is a licensed Professional Engineer in Ontario. His research focuses on design for sustainable manufacturing processes, and process optimization strategies.
Research Themes
General Description
The research is focused on advancing sustainable and efficient manufacturing practices, with particular expertise established in the machining of hard-to-cut materials, the design for sustainable manufacturing processes, modeling, optimization, and assessment of manufacturing operations, and the development of circular economy strategies for the manufacturing sector. Challenges associated with machining hard-to-cut materials are addressed, with efforts directed toward improving process performance, tool life, and product quality while minimizing environmental impacts. Sustainability principles are integrated into manufacturing design to ensure that processes are optimized not only for efficiency and cost but also for energy consumption, material usage, and waste reduction. Advanced modeling, optimization, and assessment techniques are employed to develop predictive frameworks that enhance the performance, reliability, and sustainability of manufacturing processes. Furthermore, the development of circular economy strategies tailored for the manufacturing industry is emphasized, with focus placed on resource recovery, product lifecycle extension, and closed-loop systems. By aligning manufacturing practices with circular economy principles, contributions are made toward creating sustainable, resilient, and economically viable manufacturing systems.
Current Research Themes
- Sustainable Machining of Titanium Alloys – Enhancing Efficiency and Environmental Sustainability – This research focuses on the design of sustainable machining processes for titanium alloys, exploring the use of minimum quantity lubrication (MQL) and cryogenic cooling techniques. The novel aspect of this work lies in the in-depth modeling and optimization of these cooling methods, specifically examining their heat transfer and tribological effects in machining. By comparing the sustainability and performance of MQL and cryogenic cooling with traditional techniques, this research aims to enhance machining efficiency and reduce environmental impacts, such as energy consumption and coolant waste. The outcomes of this work will contribute significantly to improving machining practices for titanium alloys, with wide applications in aerospace and automotive industries, ultimately benefiting the Canadian manufacturing sector by promoting sustainable manufacturing practices and reducing the carbon footprint of high-performance materials.
- Optimization of Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) for Polymers – Advancing Additive Manufacturing for Broader Applications – This research program aims to develop advanced optimization strategies to enhance the performance of Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) for polymers, with the long-term goal of extending these innovations to other materials and additive manufacturing (AM) technologies. The motivation behind this research lies in the potential to improve the properties of 3D-printed parts compared to traditional subtractive operations, offering new opportunities for material performance and design flexibility. The novelty of this work lies in the integration of deep learning (DL), reinforcement learning (RL), and adaptive parameter optimization strategies to improve FDM process control, defect detection, and proactive defect prediction. The development of a sustainability assessment framework for AM processes will further enhance its environmental benefits. This research has the potential to revolutionize AM by broadening its applicability, making it a more efficient, sustainable, and cost-effective solution across various industries, such as aerospace, healthcare, and automotive. It will benefit the Canadian manufacturing sector by positioning Canada as a leader in cutting-edge, sustainable AM technologies.
- Circular Economy Assessment Framework and Strategies for Manufacturing Processes – Advancing Sustainable Manufacturing Sectors – This research focuses on developing a circular economy assessment framework and strategies for manufacturing processes, with an emphasis on optimizing resource recovery, reducing waste, and extending product lifecycles. The novelty of this research lies in its holistic approach to integrating circular economy principles into manufacturing, aiming to create sustainable and efficient systems that minimize environmental impact. By fostering resource efficiency and waste reduction, this research will contribute to the transition toward more sustainable manufacturing processes in the Canadian manufacturing sector. The outcomes of this research have the potential to drive innovations in resource management, benefiting the Canadian manufacturing sector through improved industrial sustainability, job creation in green technologies, and reduced environmental costs.
Highlights
- Dr. Hegab is a licensed Professional Engineer in Ontario and a member of the Canadian Society for Mechanical Engineering.
