Dr Abdu Elmagdoub

Abdu's Journey in AAPS: An Alumni Profile

Before joining AAPS, Abdu was undertaking an MEng (Hons) in Mechanical Engineering with Honours in 2019 at City, University of London followed by an MSc in Racing Engine Systems at Oxford Brookes University. Abdu was highly involved in IMechE Formula Student, being an active member of City Racing's ICE Team and Oxford Brookes Racing's Electric Team. Starting the second year of his undergraduate degree as a design coordinator, he took on positions of Powertrain Lead and Team Lead in his final years at City. His interest in Digital Systems, Control, and Optimization developed while working on his MSc thesis at Brookes, investigating Machine Learning Algorithms to Predict and Reduce Emissions in a GDI Engine with Positive Valve Overlap for Racing Applications. Within AAPS-CDT, Abdu saw a valuable opportunity to play a major role in tackling rising sustainability issues and help provide a cleaner future for successive generations.

PhD Focus

Abdu’s PhD, titled "Numerical 1D–3D CFD Assessments of FVVT Technology in Poppet Valve Four-Stroke and Reverse-Loop Scavenged Two-Stroke Engines: A Physics-Based Approach", investigated the use of Fully Variable Valvetrain (FVVT) systems for improving combustion engine efficiency and emissions in both conventional and unconventional configurations. His research combined advanced one-dimensional and three-dimensional CFD techniques to explore engine strategy optimization across varying valvetrain technologies, supporting the transition to more sustainable powertrains. The work was conducted in close collaboration with Koenigsegg Automotive AB and Freevalve AB, where Abdu was based for a large part of his PhD, contributing to real-world applications in high-performance and alternative-fuel engine development.

Looking Forward

Abdu is now focused on leveraging his expertise in sustainable propulsion systems and advanced thermodynamic cycles to lead innovative projects in the automotive and energy sectors through his current role as a Postdoctoral Research Fellow at King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST). He is particularly interested in next-generation engine architectures, hydrogen combustion, oxy-fuel combustion, and closed-cycle systems. Looking ahead, Abdu aims to bridge academic research and industry implementation, delivering clean, efficient, and high-performance power solutions that redefine what’s possible in propulsion technology.

Reflection of AAPS

AAPS provided an exceptional multidisciplinary environment that fostered both technical excellence and holistic thinking. The collaborative culture, industry engagement, and access to world-class academic supervision were pivotal in shaping Abdu’s development as a researcher and innovator. The programme not only offered a platform to explore complex engineering challenges, but also encouraged a strong sense of purpose in addressing global sustainability needs.