Dr Itai Vutabwarova
Programme lead - University teacher
Profile
Dr. Itai Vutabwarova is Programme Lead in mechanical manufacture in the department of Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre at the University of Sheffield. He specialises in teaching Fundamentals of Engineering Science (Thermodynamics/Thermofluids).
Before joining the University of Sheffield he graduated from Sheffield Hallam University in 2009 (mechanical engineering BEng Hons) and went on to complete a PhD in the development of Friction Stir Welding for Mokume Gane type materials in 2016 (sponsored by EPSRC and Rotary Engineering UK Ltd).
Research interests
Itai's research interests are in friction stir welding and materials (dissimilar metals); developing high value, decorative laminate material used in the jewellery industry. Along with:
- Materials characterisation
- Electron microscopy
- Computational fluid dynamics
- Mechanical engineering
Publications
- Jones AH, O'Dubhghaill C & Vutabwarova I (2012) The use of friction stir welding for the production of Mokume Gane - Type materials. Santa Fe Symposium on Jewelry Manufacturing Technology 2012: proceedings of the twenty-sixth Santa Fe Symposium in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA, Met-Chem Research, May 2012.
- Vutabwarova I, Jones AH, Cater S & O'Dubhghaill C (2012) Copper/brass laminates bonded by friction stir welding as method to study material flow. 9th International Friction Stir Welding Conference 2012. Huntsville, USA, 15 May 2012 - 17 May 2012.
Teaching modules
- AMR136 Fundamentals of Engineering Science
- AMR221 Professional Responsibility and the Engineering Society
- AMR222 Further Engineering Science
- AMR2227 Thermofluidic Processes
Professional Activities
- Technical Director; Mikana Innovations Ltd (Industrial collaboration between SHU and Rotary Engineering UK Ltd)
- Exhibited friction stir welded Mokume Gane ‘in Made in Sheffield 2016’ at Millennium galleries, Sheffield (2016)