Dr Odeh Dababneh

Teaching and learning

I contribute to both undergraduate and postgraduate aerospace engineering education through module leadership, teaching, and student supervision. My teaching integrates theoretical foundations with practical, industry-oriented applications, ensuring students develop strong analytical and design skills relevant to modern aerospace engineering challenges.

Module leadership

• AE6006 – Further Aerospace Structures, Structural Dynamics, and Finite Element Analysis (FEA)
• AE5044 – Aerospace Structures, Composite Materials & Dynamics

Additional teaching

• AE6027 – Aircraft Performance, Materials Failure and Structural Analysis
• AE5049 – Aerodynamics, Composite Materials and Computer-Aided Design

Supervision

I supervise BEng and MEng/MSc students on a wide range of aerospace engineering projects, with topics spanning:

• Aircraft structural design
• Finite element modelling and simulation
• Multidisciplinary design optimisation (MDO) applications

I am committed to supporting students through research-focused, hands-on, and industry-relevant project work that builds both technical competence and professional readiness.

Courses taught

• Aerospace Engineering MEng/BEng (Hons)
• Aircraft Engineering BEng (Hons) top-up
• Aviation Engineering BEng (Hons)

My research focuses on the structural design, analysis, and optimisation of aerospace structures, with an emphasis on enhancing the efficiency, performance, and reliability of both aircraft and satellite structures. I specialise in applying Multidisciplinary Design Optimization (MDO) and advanced computational methods to develop high-fidelity structural models that enable innovative and practical engineering solutions.

A key area of my work is the optimisation of aircraft wingbox cross-sections, where I explore gradient-based techniques and increasingly sophisticated structural models to improve efficiency and performance. My research also encompasses the design and analysis of metallic and composite structures, finite element modelling, structural dynamics, and aeroelastic behaviour, all critical for understanding and advancing aerospace structural performance.

In addition to aircraft structures, I am actively involved in the design and analysis of satellite structures, developing lightweight and resilient configurations to meet the demands of modern space missions.

Overall, my research integrates computational simulation, optimisation algorithms, and engineering design principles to deliver structural solutions that address both current challenges and future needs in the aerospace industry.

Qualifications

• PhD in Multidisciplinary Design Optimization for Aircraft Wing Mass Estimation.

Specialisms

• Multidisciplinary design optimization (MDO)
• Structural optimization (sizing, shape, and topology)
• Design and analysis of aerospace metallic and composite structures
• Aeroelasticity
• Design and analysis of onshore/offshore wind turbine substructures
• Finite element analysis of aerospace metallic and composite structures.

I collaborate internationally with Mohammed VI Polytechnic University (UM6P) on research into next-generation substructures for offshore wind turbines, applying gradient-based MDO algorithms to enhance structural performance, efficiency, and reliability. This work supports industry innovation, knowledge transfer, and global collaboration in sustainable energy systems.

In addition to academic research, I have engaged in consultancy and professional development activities. I collaborated with the Royal Saudi Air Force (RSAF) to deliver short technical courses at the University of South Wales, generating commercial income and strengthening international links. Key achievements include:

• Developed and managed partnerships with RSAF to expand commercial and training activities.
• Successfully delivered specialist technical courses, generating £34,000 in revenue, including:
  • Airworthiness for Military Aircraft (1–10 July 2019)
  • Design and Analysis of Aircraft Structures (26 August–4 September 2019)

These collaborations and consultancy projects demonstrate my commitment to applied research, knowledge transfer, professional development, and international collaboration across aerospace engineering and related industries.

Professional and scholarly affiliations

• Member MRAeS, Royal Aeronautical Society.
• Chartered Engineer (CEng), Royal Aeronautical Society (RAeS)

• Module leadership: Lead BEng modules at Level 5 and Level 6, overseeing curriculum design, delivery, and assessment.
• External partnerships: Serve as a liaison officer for collaborations with Exeter College, fostering research, educational links, and student development.
• Professional advisory roles: Act as a technical adviser, supporting student teams in aircraft conceptual design competitions for the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA).