Student profile – Ali Daliri

I’m passionate about aerospace technology which is why I chose to study at RMIT University. RMIT has one of the reputations in the aerospace sector and has great industry connections.

Highlights of my studies to date include participating in the inaugural three minute thesis competition at the University of Queensland in Brisbane and attending the Smart Material Conference of ASME at Philadelphia in USA. It has been a great journey full of new experiences and learning.

I’ve gained invaluable skills in research, critical analysis, presentation delivery, networking, designing practical experiments, teaching, communication and writing.

Undertaking a Masters by Research is full of challenges, however it is very rewarding to be working with cutting edge technology and discovering the unknown.

My research is in the field of Structural Health Monitoring (SHM), which is an important subject in different industries, including aerospace, marine and civil. Health and usage monitoring techniques are developed in many engineering areas to ensure structural integrity and safety and to reduce structural costs such as repair and maintenance costs.

The research focused on the use of microstrip patch antennas for wireless strain sensing in aerospace structures. A new type of wireless sensor without the need for wiring based on electromagnetic characteristics of antennas is under investigation. As a result of this work, engineers can avoid catastrophic events and maintenance costs can be lowered. The multidisciplinary nature of this project, which is the most interesting part of it, needs a sound knowledge in both mechanical and electrical engineering fields.

In the future, I would like to continue my studies and get my PhD. This will give me the skills and knowledge for a research career. Alternatively, I could follow a career in R&D in industrial companies.