As part of its efforts to promote scientific and research activity, the Department of Mechanical Engineering at the College of Engineering, University of Basrah, held scientific discussion sessions for postgraduate (Master's) students. The sessions were attended by the Head of the Department, Assistant Professor Dr. Raad Jamal Jassim, several faculty members, and postgraduate students.

The workshops included presentations and discussions of several thesis projects. Students presented their research, which addressed advanced engineering topics that contribute to developing applied knowledge and connecting theoretical aspects with industrial realities. The presentations included:

1. *Student Haider Mohammed Ali Abdul Zahra*

Titled: "Crack Propagation Analysis in a Mixed Model of a Bonded Joint Using Experimental and Extended Finite Element Methods (XFEM)"

This research investigated and analyzed the crack growth behavior in bonded joints using advanced numerical and experimental methodologies to improve failure prediction and enhance the design of engineering joints.

2. *Student Sajjad Nassif Jassim*

Titled: "Simulation and Machine Learning Approach to Predicting Temperature Distribution in Friction and Motion Spot Welding"

This research explored the application of numerical simulation techniques and machine learning algorithms to predict the thermal behavior of the welding process, contributing to improved weld quality and reduced manufacturing defects.

3. *Student Shams Jassim Mohammed*

Titled: "Experimental and Numerical Study of the Mechanical and Thermal Properties of Aluminum Oxide-Reinforced (Al₂O₃) Epoxy Composites"

This study focused on analyzing the effect of nano-additives on improving the mechanical and thermal properties of composite materials and their potential application in advanced engineering.

The sessions featured extensive scientific discussions between faculty members and graduate students, during which scientific and methodological observations were raised, enriching the research aspects and enhancing academic rigor. Furthermore, students were guided towards developing analytical tools and utilizing modern technologies in the fields of modeling, simulation, and engineering materials.

This activity is part of a series of scientific events that the department is keen to organize, with the aim of establishing an effective research environment, developing presentation and analysis skills among graduate students, and enhancing scientific communication between researchers in line with the rapid developments in the fields of mechanical engineering.