Halil İbrahim Sözen

Computational Materials Scientist & Postdoctoral Researcher
Istanbul, TR.

About

Highly accomplished Computational Materials Scientist with a PhD in Computational Materials Design and extensive postdoctoral experience in advanced materials research. Specializing in *ab initio* calculations, thermodynamic phase stability, and magnetic materials, adept at leveraging quantum mechanical modeling and simulation techniques to drive innovation in materials development. Proven ability to translate complex theoretical concepts into practical solutions for industrial applications, evidenced by a robust publication record and contributions to vehicle structure and aerodynamics.

Work

Mercedes Benz-Türk A.Ş
|

Post-doctoral Researcher at CAE Trucks - Vehicle Structure & Aerodynamics

Istanbul, Istanbul, Türkiye

Summary

Led advanced computational analysis and simulation efforts for vehicle structure and aerodynamics within the CAE Trucks division, enhancing durability and multi-body system performance.

Highlights

Conducted comprehensive durability analyses for truck cab and multi-body systems, identifying critical stress points and recommending design improvements that enhanced structural integrity.

Applied advanced computational fluid dynamics (CFD) and finite element method (FEM) simulations to optimize vehicle aerodynamics, contributing to improved fuel efficiency and performance.

Developed and validated complex computational models for vehicle components, reducing physical prototyping needs and accelerating the design iteration cycle.

Collaborated with cross-functional engineering teams to integrate simulation results into the design process, ensuring optimal performance and compliance with industry standards.

Carl-von-Ossietzky Universität Oldenburg
|

Post-doctoral Researcher at Theoretical Chemistry

Oldenburg, Lower Saxony, Germany

Summary

Conducted advanced theoretical chemistry research, focusing on quantum mechanical modeling and computational simulations to explore novel materials and chemical reactions.

Highlights

Performed quantum mechanical modeling of bifunctional electrocatalysts, contributing to the theoretical design of novel materials for fuel cell applications.

Investigated atomistic modeling of anodic reactions, providing critical insights into electrochemical processes and material degradation mechanisms.

Authored and co-authored multiple peer-reviewed publications, disseminating research findings to the scientific community and advancing the field of theoretical chemistry.

Collaborated with interdisciplinary research groups to apply computational methods to complex chemical problems, fostering innovation and knowledge exchange.

Max-Planck-Institut für Eisenforschung GmbH
|

Post-doctoral Researcher at Computational Materials Design department

Düsseldorf, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany

Summary

Executed advanced computational materials design projects, specializing in *ab initio* methods and computational phase studies to develop and characterize novel materials.

Highlights

Conducted *ab initio* based finite temperature phase stability studies, contributing to the fundamental understanding and design of advanced materials with tailored properties.

Developed and applied screening methodologies for substitutional doping effects in magnetic materials, enhancing their stability and performance for industrial applications.

Published research findings in high-impact journals such as Physical Review Materials and CALPHAD Journal, including a Best Paper Award for 2020.

Secured postdoctoral research grants from Bundesministerium für Bildung und Forschung (BMBF) and Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG), demonstrating strong grant-writing and research proposal capabilities.

Max-Planck-Institut für Eisenforschung GmbH
|

PhD Student at Computational Materials Design department

Düsseldorf, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany

Summary

Conducted doctoral research on *ab initio* phase stabilities of Ce-based hard magnetic materials, developing a comprehensive understanding of their thermodynamic properties and potential for industrial applications.

Highlights

Investigated Ce-based hard magnetic materials using *ab initio* methods as an alternative to Nd-Fe-B magnets, performing thermodynamic phase stability calculations considering vibrational, electronic, and magnetic contributions.

Developed and implemented a novel screening methodology for 3d and 4d substitutional doping effects, enabling the consideration of a large number of substitutions to improve the relative stability of desired hard magnetic phases.

Calculated and optimized the performance of various transition metals, validating theoretical predictions through comparison with reactive crucible melting experiments.

Authored a PhD thesis titled 'Ab initio phase stabilities of Ce-based hard magnetic materials,' contributing significant knowledge to the field of computational materials science and magnetic materials development.

Max-Planck-Institut für Eisenforschung GmbH
|

Student Assistant at Computational Materials Design department

Düsseldorf, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany

Summary

Supported computational materials design projects, assisting in data analysis and simulation setup for phase studies.

Highlights

Assisted in setting up and running *ab initio* simulations for computational materials design projects, ensuring data integrity and computational efficiency.

Contributed to data analysis and visualization of simulation results, aiding senior researchers in interpreting complex material properties.

Maintained and optimized computational resources, ensuring smooth operation of high-performance computing clusters for ongoing research.

Gained practical experience in advanced computational techniques and materials science research methodologies.

Repkon Machine and Tools Industry
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Mechanical Design Engineer

Istanbul, Istanbul, Türkiye

Summary

Designed mechanical components and performed materials characterization, contributing to the development of shear forming and free flow forming machines.

Highlights

Executed mechanical design of shear forming and free flow forming machines, optimizing component performance and manufacturing processes.

Conducted materials characterization of samples, providing critical data for material selection and design validation.

Collaborated with manufacturing teams to ensure design feasibility and efficient production of machine components.

Applied engineering principles to solve design challenges, contributing to the successful development of industrial machinery.

Koc Otokar Military Defense Industry
|

Internship

Sakarya, Sakarya, Türkiye

Summary

Gained practical engineering experience within the military defense industry, supporting various project phases and technical tasks.

Highlights

Assisted engineering teams in the design and analysis of military defense components, contributing to project documentation and technical reports.

Participated in hands-on tasks related to manufacturing and assembly processes, gaining exposure to industrial production environments.

Conducted preliminary research and data collection for ongoing projects, supporting decision-making processes.

Developed foundational understanding of defense industry standards and quality control procedures.

Education

Max-Planck-Institut für Eisenforschung GmbH
Düsseldorf, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany

PhD

Computational Materials Design

Courses

PhD Thesis: Ab initio phase stabilities of Ce-based hard magnetic materials

Ruhr University
Bochum, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany

MSc

Interdisciplinary Center for Advanced Materials Simulation

Courses

MSc Thesis: Ab initio investigations on the energetics and kinetics of defects in Fe-Al alloys

FMV Işık University
Istanbul, Istanbul, Türkiye

BSc

Mechanical Engineering

Grade: 3rd place (Faculty Ranked Graduation)

Courses

BSc Thesis: Mechanical and electronic design of the autonomous underwater vehicle

Awards

Postdoctoral Research Grant

Awarded By

Bundesministerium für Bildung und Forschung (BMBF)

Awarded a competitive grant to support postdoctoral research activities in advanced materials science.

The Best Paper Award

Awarded By

CALPHAD Journal

Recognized for an outstanding paper published in 2020, demonstrating significant contributions to the field of computational thermodynamics.

Postdoctoral Research Grant

Awarded By

Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG)

Received a prestigious grant to fund postdoctoral research, validating the scientific merit and potential impact of proposed studies.

PhD Fellowship

Awarded By

BOSCH-Forschungsstiftung

Awarded a fellowship to support doctoral studies and research in computational materials design.

Faculty Ranked Graduation, 3rd place

Awarded By

FMV Işık University

Achieved 3rd place in faculty ranking upon graduation, recognizing academic excellence in Mechanical Engineering.

International Graduation Project Contest, 3rd place

Awarded By

International Graduation Project Contest

Secured 3rd place in an international competition for the graduation project, highlighting innovative design and engineering skills.

Publications

Accelerating Exploration of Rare-Earth-Free Magnetic Materials via Active Learning from First-Principles Calculations

Published by

Under review

Summary

Explored active learning from first-principles calculations to accelerate the discovery of rare-earth-free magnetic materials.

Structure, phase transitions and hard magnetic properties of ternary Fe1.93(P1-xSix) compounds with x ≤ 0.5

Published by

Acta Materialia

Summary

Analyzed the structure, phase transitions, and hard magnetic properties of ternary Fe1.93(P1-xSix) compounds with varying silicon content.

Topology optimization and durability analysis of clips used in electric vehicle battery pack enclosure

Published by

International Journal on Interactive Design and Manufacturing

Summary

Applied topology optimization and durability analysis to clips used in electric vehicle battery pack enclosures.

Phase formation, structure and magnetic properties of Ge substituted Fe2P compounds

Published by

Solid State Science

Summary

Studied the phase formation, structure, and magnetic properties of Ge-substituted Fe2P compounds.

Ab initio Investigation on the Magnetic Moments, Magnetocrystalline Anisotropy and Curie Temperature of Fe2P-Based Magnets

Published by

Magnetism

Summary

Conducted ab initio investigations into the magnetic moments, magnetocrystalline anisotropy, and Curie temperature of Fe2P-based magnets.

Ab initio calculations of the chemisorption of atomic H and O on Pt and Ir metal and on bimetallic PtIry surfaces

Published by

Zeitschrift fuer Naturforschung B

Summary

Performed ab initio calculations to study the chemisorption of atomic H and O on Pt, Ir, and bimetallic PtIry surfaces.

Effect of Zr Substitution on the Nd-based Magnets: Theoretical Investigation of (Zr,Nd)(Fe,Ti)12 Compounds

Published by

Journal of the Magnetics Society of Japan

Summary

Theoretically investigated the effect of Zr substitution on Nd-based magnets, specifically (Zr,Nd)(Fe,Ti)12 compounds.

Theoretical and experimental investigations on Fe2P-type magnets: Effects of Si and Co substitution on physical and magnetic properties

Published by

Physical Review Materials

Summary

Combined theoretical and experimental approaches to study the effects of Si and Co substitution on Fe2P-type magnets' properties.

Combined ab initio and experimental screening of phase stabilities in the Ce-Fe-Ti-X system (X= 3d and 4d metals)

Published by

Physical Review Materials

Summary

Combined computational and experimental methods to screen phase stabilities in complex Ce-Fe-Ti-X metallic systems.

Magnetic properties of rare-earth-lean ThMn12-type (Nd,X)Fe11Ti (X: Y and Ce) compounds: A DFT study

Published by

Journal of Magnetism and Magnetic Materials

Summary

Conducted a DFT study on the magnetic properties of rare-earth-lean ThMn12-type compounds.

Ab initio investigations of point and complex defect structures in B2-FeAl

Published by

Physical Review Materials

Summary

Conducted ab initio studies on point and complex defect structures within B2-FeAl alloys, contributing to understanding material properties.

Ab initio phase stabilities of rare-earth lean Nd-based hard magnets

Published by

Journal of Magnetism and Magnetic Materials

Summary

Examined the ab initio phase stabilities of rare-earth lean Nd-based hard magnets, providing insights into their magnetic characteristics.

Vacancy-based diffusion mechanism in B2-FeAl: DFT study

Published by

Computational Materials Science

Summary

Investigated vacancy-based diffusion mechanisms in B2-FeAl using Density Functional Theory (DFT) simulations.

Impact of magnetism on the phase stability of rare-earth based hard magnetic materials

Published by

CALPHAD: Comput. Coupling Phase Diagrams Thermochem.

Summary

Analyzed the influence of magnetism on the phase stability of rare-earth based hard magnetic materials through computational coupling phase diagrams.

Ab initio phase stabilities of Ce-based hard magnetic materials and comparison with experimental phase diagrams

Published by

Physical Review Materials

Summary

Investigated the phase stability of Ce-based hard magnetic materials using ab initio methods, comparing theoretical predictions with experimental phase diagrams.

Languages

Turkish (Native)
English (Proficient - IELTS: 7.5)
German (Intermediate - TestDaF: 2.2)

Skills

Computational Materials Science

Ab Initio Calculations, Density Functional Theory (DFT), Computational Materials Design, Phase Stability, Thermodynamic Modeling, Quantum Mechanical Modeling, Atomistic Modeling, Multiscale Simulation.

Materials Characterization & Analysis

Magnetic Materials, Rare-Earth Materials, Fe-Al Alloys, Ti-Ta Shape Memory Alloys, Defect Analysis, Phase Transformations, Microstructure Analysis, Materials Properties.

Engineering & Simulation

Finite Element Method (FEM), CAE (Computer-Aided Engineering), Vehicle Structure & Aerodynamics, Durability Analysis, Multi Body Simulation, Mechanical Design, Topology Optimization, Design Optimization, Kinetic Monte Carlo (KMC).

Research & Development

Scientific Research, Experimental Validation, Data Analysis, Problem Solving, Methodology Development, Grant Writing, Scientific Writing, Project Management.

Programming & Software

Simulation Software (VASP, LAMMPS - inferred), Data Visualization Tools, Scripting (Python - inferred), High-Performance Computing (HPC).

References

Dr. Tilmann Hickel

Head of Computational Phase Studies Group, Max-Planck-Institut für Eisenforschung, t.hickel@mpie.de, +49 211 6792 397

Prof. Dr. Jörg Neugebauer

Director of Computational Materials Design Department, Max-Planck-Institut für Eisenforschung, j.neugebauer@mpie.de, +49 211 6792 465

Projects

Adaptive Kinetic Monte Carlo simulations of phase transformations in Ti-Ta high temperature shape memory alloys

Summary

Investigated phase transformations in Ti-Ta high temperature shape memory alloys using Adaptive Kinetic Monte Carlo simulations.

Combined ab initio and Kinetic Monte Carlo studies on nano-precipitates in steels

Summary

Conducted combined *ab initio* and Kinetic Monte Carlo studies to understand nano-precipitate formation and behavior in steels.

Mechanical design of the shear forming and free flow forming machines and materials characterization of the samples

Summary

Executed mechanical design for specialized forming machines and performed materials characterization for relevant samples.

Mechanical design of the autonomous underwater vehicle (AUV)

Summary

Led the mechanical design of an autonomous underwater vehicle (AUV), focusing on operational criteria and performance capabilities.

Experimental investigations of adiabatic shear bands in pure copper

Summary

Conducted experimental investigations into adiabatic shear bands in pure copper, analyzing material deformation under extreme conditions.

Mechanical design of Apollo solar car

Summary

Contributed to the mechanical design of the Apollo solar car, focusing on lightweight and efficient structural components.