Rankouhi’s research is broadly focused on additive manufacturing of advanced metals and alloys. He is the founding director of Minnesota Additive Manufacturing Center where he pioneers multi-material laser powder bed fusion that unites structural and functional materials. Guided by Ashby’s mantra “Material A + Material B + Shape + Scale,” his team studies how thermophysical properties and process parameters affect the material interfaces, then leverages that insight to engineer designer hybrids with tailored properties. By coupling mesoscale mechanical design, advanced manufacturing, and materials science, his group is enabling the next generation of programmable hybrids for energy, aerospace, and other sectors.
Lab
Minnesota Additive Manufacturing Center (coming soon)
ME Research Areas
Materials & Mechanics
Thermodynamics & Heat Transfer
Particle Technology
ME Impact Areas
Next-Gen Manufacturing
Environment & Sustainability
Energy Transition
Education
Ph.D. 2021, Mechanical Engineering, University of Wisconsin-Madison
M.S. 2016, Mechanical Engineering, South Dakota State University
B.S. 2012, Mechanical Engineering, Azad University, Tehran, Iran
Professional Background
Richard & Barbara Nelson Assistant Professor, Department of Mechanical Engineering,
University of Minnesota, July 2025 - Present
Scientist II, Department of Materials Science & Engineering, University of Wisconsin-Madison,
October 2024 – June 2025
Scientist I, Department of Materials Science & Engineering, University of Wisconsin-Madison,
October 2022 – October 2024
Research Associate, Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Wisconsin-Madison,
August 2021, October 2022
