The Faculty of Engineering proudly announces that the research project “Simulation Numérique du Transport de Nanoparticules dans les Plasmas” has been selected for funding under the PHC CEDRE 2026–2027 program, marking a significant scientific achievement for the University of Balamand in the fast-growing field of plasma–nanoparticle physics.

Led by Dr. Chawki Lahoud, Assistant Professor from the Department of Mechanical Engineering, the research aims to develop next generation numerical models using COMSOL Multiphysics, coupling the Plasma and Particle Tracing modules to simulate low pressure radio frequency (RF) plasmas and the self consistent behavior of electrically charged nanoparticles suspended within them. By integrating a wide range of physical process, including ionization, electron energy transport, metastable species kinetics, nanoparticle charging (OML theory), and the full spectrum of forces acting on particles (ion drag, electrostatic forces, thermophoresis, neutral drag, and gravity), the project intends to construct one of the most comprehensive COMSOL-based frameworks ever applied to dusty plasmas.

The models will be directly validated using experimental data from GREMI’s RF discharge reactors, including the PKE-Nefedov reactor and the “Suie” reactor, as well as from a magnetron-based gas aggregation source capable of synthesizing nanoparticles in the 3–100 nm range. This unique combination of simulation and experiment will allow the team to investigate long standing open questions regarding nanoparticle transport, plasma-induced charging dynamics, spatial confinement, and deposition mechanisms in complex plasma environments phenomena that are extremely difficult to measure experimentally.

This achievement also represents a major milestone for Dr. Chawki Lahoud, building on his foundational work during the CEDRE 2021–2022 program. Being selected once again highlights his growing international recognition and further strengthens the University of Balamand’s role as an emerging contributor to global plasma research.

In addition to Dr. Lahoud, the University of Balamand’s project team includes Dr. Jihad Rishmany (Associate Professor- Mechanical Engineering) and Dr. Rodrigue Imad (Associate Professor- Computer Engineering), alongside several researchers from GREMI.

Vice President for Internationalization and Engagement and Dean of the Faculty of Engineering Professor Rami Abboud congratulated the team on their success. He highlighted that this accomplishment reflects the University’s strong commitment to high-impact research and international collaboration for advancing cutting-edge scientific work that places Lebanon on the global research map. ​