Saeed Lotfan
Assistant Professor at
Gebze Technical University
Department of Mechanical Engineering
Research in mechanical vibrations, nonlinear dynamics, structural dynamics, and computational mechanics.
I am an Assistant Professor in the Department of Mechanical Engineering at Gebze Technical University. I received my B.S., M.S., and Ph.D. degrees in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Tabriz in 2012, 2014, and 2018, and later worked as a postdoctoral researcher at Sabanci University.
My work focuses on the modeling and analysis of complex structural systems, with emphasis on linear and nonlinear vibrations, reduced-order modeling, inverse problems, structural health monitoring, and high-fidelity computational methods. I also study how data-driven and machine learning approaches can support dynamics and mechanics research.
For current projects, publications, and collaboration opportunities, please use the links above.
Academic & Education Timeline
Gebze Technical University
2022 – Present
Assistant Professor
Department of Mechanical Engineering
Sabanci University
2020 – 2022
Postdoctoral Researcher
Faculty of Engineering and Natural Sciences
University of Tabriz
2014 – 2018
Ph.D. Student
Department of Mechanical Engineering,
Vibration and Modal Analysis Lab.
Vibration and Modal Analysis Lab.
University of Tabriz
2012 – 2014
M.S. Student
Department of Mechanical Engineering
University of Tabriz
2008 – 2012
B.S. Student
Department of Mechanical Engineering
News
2025
We Are Hiring
I am looking for highly motivated graduate students and postdoctoral researchers with interests
in mechanical vibrations and related areas. If you are interested, please feel free to contact me via email.
October
2025
2025
Journal Paper
Our paper titled "Nonlinear vibrations and modal interactions in rotating pre-twisted blades with thickness and chord variations using high-fidelity models with DICFs and PA",
co-authored with Prof. E. Ciğeroğlu from Middle East Technical University, has been accepted for publication in the journal of Thin-Walled Structures.
July
2025
2025
Master’s Thesis Defense
My master’s student Murat Kutlu has successfully defended his master’s thesis titled
“Dynamic Behavior of Rotor Systems With Belleville Washer-Induced Support Nonlinearity”.
Congratulations to him on earning his Master’s Degree and completing this important milestone.
June
2025
2025
Master’s Thesis Defense
My master’s student Onur Erdoğan has successfully defended his master’s thesis titled
“Mathematical Modeling and Analysis of a Ship-Mounted Crane with Shock Absorber”.
Congratulations to him on earning his Master’s Degree and completing this important milestone.
May
2025
2025
Journal Paper
Our paper titled "Reduced-order spectral Chebyshev models for geometrically nonlinear vibrations of thin-walled structures",
co-authored with Prof. E. Ciğeroğlu from Middle East Technical University, has been accepted for publication in the journal of Nonlinear Dynamics.
December
2024
2024
Spaghetti Bridge Competition
We held a Spaghetti Bridge Competition as part of the Statics course at Gebze Technical University.
Students were challenged to design and construct bridges using only spaghetti and glue, aiming to maximize the load-to-weight ratio.
The event provided an engaging platform for applying theoretical knowledge to a real-world structural task.
November
2024
2024
Jet Engine Design Competition – Third Place Award
Our student team, Gök Vatan, at Gebze Technical University achieved third place
in the Jet Engine Design Competition, organized in collaboration with TEI – TUSAŞ Engine Industries, Inc.
and TEKNOFEST.
Congratulations to our dedicated team members Muratcan Çalış, Mustafa Kaan Bostancıoğlu, Gediz Bal, Oğuzhan Emre Sağer, Muhammed Talha Kara, Muhammed Eren Tıraş, Fatih Mehmet Karkınlı, and team captain Eren Kalyoncu for their outstanding efforts and perseverance throughout the project.
Congratulations to our dedicated team members Muratcan Çalış, Mustafa Kaan Bostancıoğlu, Gediz Bal, Oğuzhan Emre Sağer, Muhammed Talha Kara, Muhammed Eren Tıraş, Fatih Mehmet Karkınlı, and team captain Eren Kalyoncu for their outstanding efforts and perseverance throughout the project.
August
2024
2024
Journal Paper
Our paper titled "Coupled thermo-elastic dynamics of rotating pre-twisted blades exposed to thermal shock including nonlinear rotational effects",
co-authored with Prof. E. Ciğeroğlu from Middle East Technical University, has been accepted for publication in the Journal of Sound and Vibration.
September
2024
2024
Conference Presentation
Our conference paper titled "Dynamic modeling of rotating axially functionally graded pre-twisted blades with chord length variations",
co-authored with Prof. E. Ciğeroğlu from Middle East Technical University has been presented at the
27th International Conference on Composite Structures (ICCS27: 3-6 September, Ravenna, Italy).
January
2024
2024
Master’s Thesis Defense
My master’s student Furkan Çopur has successfully defended his master’s thesis titled
“A Unified Model for Internal Rotordynamic Stability Based on Complex Coordinates Formulation”.
Congratulations to him on earning his Master’s Degree and completing this important milestone.
March
2023
2023
Research Project
Our project titled "Nonlinear Vibrations of a High-Fidelity Model of Rotating Pre-Twisted Blades with Thickness and Chord Length
Variations Including Nonlinear Centrifugal Effects", co-led by Prof. E. Ciğeroğlu from Middle East Technical University,
has been accepted for funding under TÜBİTAK 1001 – The Scientific and Technological Research Projects Funding Program.
February
2023
2023
Journal Paper
Our paper titled "A weak-form spectral Chebyshev technique for nonlinear vibrations of rotating functionally graded beams",
co-authored with Prof. E. Ciğeroğlu from Middle East Technical University and Dr. B. Bediz from Sabancı University, has been accepted for
publication in the journal of Mechanics of Advanced Materials and Structures.
June
2022
2022
Journal Paper
Our paper titled "Free Vibrations of Rotating Pre-Twisted Blades Including Geometrically Nonlinear Pre-Stressed Analysis",
co-authored with Dr. B. Bediz from Sabancı University, has been accepted for publication in the Journal of Sound and Vibration.
July
2021
2021
Journal Paper
My paper titled "Nonlinear Modal Interactions in a Beam-Mass System Tuned to 3:1 and Combination Internal Resonances Based on
Correspondence Between MTS and NSI Methods" has been accepted for publication in the journal of Mechanical Systems and Signal Processing.
