Biography
Dr. Kim’s research interest is broadly described as applied mathematics applications to modeling and experimental characterization of material behaviors. His current research focuses on the development of measurement techniques and mathematical models for the quantitative nondestructive evaluation (NDE) of nuclear, aerospace, and civil engineering materials. He has over 20 years of experience in the ultrasonic NDE and related research areas including ultrasonic wave propagation, micromechanics, and fatigue fracture analysis. His past research in aerospace material NDE, attracting more than $3 million research projects, has addressed the most important NDE issues in the safety of aging aircraft structure and the remaining life-time prediction. Dr. Kim has authored and co-authored over 140 technical papers and book chapters in these areas. His research has been supported by FAA, DARPA, DOE, USAF, NASA, FHWA, NSF, Corning Co., etc. Dr. Kim earned his PhD and MS degrees in Mechanical Engineering from Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST).
Bachir El Fil, joined the George W. Woodruff School of Mechanical Engineering as an assistant professor in August 2024.
Professor El Fil’s teaching interests encompass core mechanical engineering courses at both undergraduate and graduate levels, including fluid mechanics, heat transfer, and thermodynamics. He aims to provide students with a strong theoretical foundation and practical problem-solving skills, emphasizing applications relevant to energy systems and advanced fluid dynamics. His instruction integrates experimental and computational approaches to prepare students for research and industry challenges. He currently teaches Thermodynamics (ME3322) and Energy Systems (ME 4315).
Professor El Fil’s research focuses on the investigation of multiphase flows, heat and mass transfer, and energy conversion processes. His work includes experimental and numerical studies aimed at improving the understanding of complex transport phenomena in thermo-fluidic systems. The research supports advancements in energy systems efficiency and sustainability, involving the development of models and techniques to analyze fluid behavior under various flow and thermal conditions.
His mission is to tackle global challenges at the nexus of energy and water sustainability, combining the rigor of thermal sciences with the creativity of materials and device engineering. He studies and designs cutting-edge technologies for atmospheric water harvesting, thermochemical energy storage, and next-generation heat and mass exchangers, translating fundamental research into scalable solutions.
1) Bridge fundamentals and applications: Combine advanced thermal sciences, transport phenomena, and materials engineering to design devices that move seamlessly from lab-scale discovery to real-world deployment.
2) Reimagine the water–energy nexus: From atmospheric water harvesting to thermochemical energy storage and high-performance heat exchangers, he develops technologies that turn waste heat, humidity, and scarce resources into reliable, sustainable utilities.
3) Prototype, test, and scale: Build and evaluate full systems, experimentally and via techno-economic analysis, to deliver solutions that are not only scientifically novel, but also manufacturable, affordable, and impactful at scale.
