Nuclear hydrogen prospects in MENA region with economic insights Ammar Alkhalidi, Shatha Alyazouri, Belal Almomani, A.G. Olabi, Abdul Hai Alami, Thanh Mai Vũ, Ala’aldeen Al-Halhouli, Mohamad K. Khawaja International Journal of Thermofluids, 2026 The increasing demand for energy and environmental pollution have prompted a transition toward hydrogen production. Nuclear hydrogen, in particular, offers the potential for large-scale production while effectively reducing greenhouse gas emissions. This paper presents the potential of nuclear hydrogen in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. It begins by assessing the current status of nuclear energy and hydrogen generation plans across MENA countries. It also offers insights into the economic viability of nuclear hydrogen for several next-generation reactors through the Hydrogen Economic Evaluation Programme (HEEP). Additionally, it considers the front-end costs associated with potential uranium reserves in the region, as well as the economic sensitivity of various technical and fiscal parameters. Despite its potential, much of the MENA region faces challenges related to inadequate nuclear infrastructure and stalled development plans. The comparison of the Levelized Cost of Hydrogen Generation (LCHG) among various reactor technologies reveals that the most favorable scenario involves integrating the Advanced Pressurized Reactor (APR-1400) with Conventional Electrolysis (CE), compressed gas hydrogen storage, and vehicle transportation, yielding the lowest LCHG of $ 3.47 USD/kg H₂. Sensitivity analyses indicate that nuclear hydrogen production is highly vulnerable to fiscal parameters, particularly discount and interest rates. This review highlights the economic viability and potential of nuclear hydrogen as a sustainable energy solution in the MENA region.
Atomic insight of deformation mechanism of monocrystalline pure iron upon equal channel angular pressing: Molecular dynamics simulation Junaidi Syarif, Omarelfarouq Elgack, Amro Altoyuri, Belal Almomani, Fatayalkadri Citrawati Materials Today Communications, 2026 Equal channel angular pressing (ECAP) is a widely used severe plastic deformation technique for producing ultrafine-grained metals with enhanced mechanical properties. Despite substantial experimental efforts that have established the macroscopic effects of ECAP, the atomic-scale deformation mechanisms in body-centered cubic (BCC) pure iron are still not fully understood. In particular, the role of initial crystallographic orientation in governing the competition between simple shear and compressive deformation during ECAP remains unresolved at the atomistic level. In this study, three monocrystalline pure iron samples with different initial orientations were examined using molecular dynamics simulations: a 100-sample with the [100] direction aligned parallel to the extrusion direction (ED), a 111-sample with the [111] direction aligned parallel to the ED, and an R45-sample with the [111] direction oriented at 45° to the ED. The deformation behavior was analyzed in terms of simple shear and compression mechanisms. The results reveal strong orientation dependence. The 100-sample predominantly deformed by simple shear throughout the extrusion process, consistent with shear factor predictions. In contrast, the 111-sample, characterized by fewer active slip systems, was mainly governed by compression, with simple shear occurring only at later stages. The R45-sample exhibited a mixed deformation behavior combining features of both orientations. All samples showed grain fragmentation and polycrystallization, while twin formation was observed in the 100-sample due to simple shear. These findings highlight the critical role of crystallographic orientation in ECAP deformation behavior and provide atomistic insights to support process optimization. • Molecular dynamics simulations reveal microstructural evolutions during ECAP. • ECAP deformation mechanism in Fe strongly depends on the initial crystal orientation. • Deformation mechanism is governed by compression, simple shear, or both. • All orientations lead to polycrystallization and lattice rotation after ECAP.
A review of additive manufacturing techniques for wind turbine blade production: capabilities, AI integration, and Scale-Up Potential Sherif M. Hassanen, Yassmin Seid Ahmed, Belal Al Momani, Abbas Milani Frontiers in Mechanical Engineering, 2026 Hand lay-up and vacuum resin infusion are two labor-intensive, time-consuming, and expensive traditional manufacturing methods used for wind turbine (WT) blades. With the ability to reduce mold manufacturing costs by up to 50%, additive manufacturing (AM) has become an attractive alternative for blade tooling and component fabrication. In 2024, the global market for 3D-printed turbine components reached USD 1.2 billion and is expected to increase to USD 3.8 billion by 2033. This review investigates the integration of AM and artificial intelligence in WT blade manufacturing. AI-assisted defect detection has shown great accuracy in controlled experimental investigations, with some research showing classification accuracies exceeding 90% under controlled laboratory conditions. In several studies, multimodal sensing approaches outperformed single-sensor systems by around 20%. Furthermore, machine learning models have demonstrated excellent prediction ability for composite blade production quality in small-scale experimental datasets. While these findings are promising, further validation under full-scale industrial conditions is required. The synergy of artificial intelligence and additive manufacturing under Industry 4.0 can provide scalable, lightweight, sustainable production as well as enabling defect monitoring, optimization, and adaptive control. Moreover, this integration will improve sustainability through the use of recycled thermoplastic polymers as additive manufacturing feedstocks for blade tooling and small components, thereby reducing energy consumption and material waste compared to thermoset-based processes. However, current limitations include scalability constraints for blades beyond 12 m and a lack of standardized datasets. Research should focus on the development of hybrid artificial intelligence–additive manufacturing frameworks, digital-twin integration, and full-scale validation to accelerate the implementation of these technologies for wind turbine blade manufacturing.
Mapping radionuclide concentrations in the UAE using a Gaussian process Machine learning approach Bassam A. Khuwaileh, Belal Almomani, Samar El-Sayed, Rahaf Ajaj, Yumna Akram Annals of Nuclear Energy, 2025 This study introduces a machine learning approach for mapping soil radionuclide concentrations in the UAE using Gaussian Process (GP) regression. Aimed at enhancing environmental monitoring and public health, the approach utilizes soil samples from across the UAE to create a radiation map (covering Ra-226, Th-232, and K-40 isotopes). GP regression, known for its proficiency in spatial data interpolation, predicts radionuclide levels in areas without direct testing. This method is adept at managing the non-linear spatial complexities inherent in geographic data, offering both a qualitative and quantitative understanding beneficial for decision-making and further sampling strategies. The results reveal the GP model’s capacity to accurately reflect geographic variances in isotopic concentrations, with RMSE values of 13%, 14%, and 22% for Ra-226, Th-232, and K-40, respectively. The model’s success in learning the geographical variations of the concentrations showcases its potential to guide future research by identifying areas of increased radioactivity risk.
RVE MODELING APPROACH TO PREDICT THE MECHANICAL PROPERTIES OF ZRY-4 CLADDING WITH EMBEDDED HYDRIDE FIBERS International Conference on Nuclear Engineering Proceedings ICONE, 2023
Probabilistic risk assessment procedure of an interim dry storage facility for spent nuclear fuel under aircraft strike Proceedings 22nd Issat International Conference on Reliability and Quality in Design, 2016
Probabilistic risk assessment of drop accident of cask with o-ring seal during on-site spent nuclear fuel transportation Proceedings 22nd Issat International Conference on Reliability and Quality in Design, 2016
RECENT SCHOLAR PUBLICATIONS
Strategic decision-making in nuclear fuel cycle economics: Insights from capital and operating cost analysis SS Kilic, B Almomani Nuclear Engineering and Design 452, 114868 , 2026 2026
Probabilistic risk assessment of nuclear power plant integrated hydrogen generation: A comprehensive literature review of methods, models, and data sources AA Soomro, B Almomani, M Gherbi, A Shams, SA Khan International Journal of Hydrogen Energy 225, 154506 , 2026 2026
A Review of Additive Manufacturing Techniques for Wind Turbine Blade Production: Capabilities, AI Integration, and Scale-Up Potential Y Seid Ahmed, B Al Momani, A Milani Frontiers in Mechanical Engineering 12, 1781579 , 2026 2026
Atomic insight of deformation mechanism of monocrystalline pure iron upon equal channel angular pressing: Molecular dynamics simulation J Syarif, O Elgack, A Altoyuri, B Almomani, F Citrawati Materials Today Communications, 114891 , 2026 2026
Nuclear Hydrogen Prospects in MENA Region with Economic Insights A Alkhalidi, S Alyazouri, B Almomani, AG Olabi, AH Alami, TM Vũ, ... International Journal of Thermofluids, 101568 , 2026 2026 Citations: 1
Machine learning applications in nuclear power plant piping inspection: A review of methods, data, and future trends AA Soomro, OK Siddiqui, A Shams, B Almomani Annals of Nuclear Energy 225, 111760 , 2026 2026 Citations: 5
Machine learning-based classification and regression approach for early detection of large break loss-of-coolant accident conditions B Almomani, BA Khuwaileh, SB Alam Arabian Journal for Science and Engineering 50 (22), 18971-18991 , 2025 2025 Citations: 3
Mapping radionuclide concentrations in the UAE using a Gaussian process Machine learning approach BA Khuwaileh, B Almomani, S El-Sayed, R Ajaj, Y Akram Annals of Nuclear Energy 217, 111335 , 2025 2025 Citations: 2
Effects of alloying and grain boundary on primary irradiation defects in FeNiCrCoCu high entropy alloys: A molecular dynamics study B Almomani, MJ Banisalman, O Elgack, J Syarif Materials Today Communications 45, 112237 , 2025 2025 Citations: 6
A representative volume element model for investigating the hydride inclusion effect on ductility of Zry-based nuclear fuel cladding B Almomani, J Syarif, YS Chang Arabian Journal for Science and Engineering 50 (5), 3127-3144 , 2025 2025 Citations: 3
Machine learning-based mechanical properties estimation and structural integrity assessment of SNF cladding under hypothetical drop accident conditions YG Shin, B Almomani, YS Chang Nuclear Engineering and Design 433, 113839 , 2025 2025 Citations: 5
A once-through artificial neural network approach for used nuclear fuel inverse depletion analysis: A comparative study BA Khuwaileh, B Almomani Annals of Nuclear Energy 205, 110598 , 2024 2024 Citations: 4
Comprehensive integrity assessment of spent nuclear fuel cladding during normal and postulated conditions of transportation MJ Park, YG Shin, B Almomani, YS Chang Nuclear Engineering and Design 421, 113125 , 2024 2024 Citations: 3
Techno-economic feasibility study of coupling low-temperature evaporation desalination plant with advanced pressurized water reactor B Almomani, A Alkhalidi, AG Olabi, H Jouhara Nuclear Engineering and Design 420, 113030 , 2024 2024 Citations: 6
Expert opinions on strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats of utilizing nuclear reactor waste heat for water desalination B Almomani, A Alkhalidi, AG Olabi, H Jouhara Desalination 564, 116777 , 2023 2023 Citations: 18
Molecular dynamics simulation and machine learning-based analysis for predicting tensile properties of high-entropy FeNiCrCoCu alloys O Elgack, B Almomani, J Syarif, M Elazab, M Irshaid, M Al-Shabi Journal of Materials Research and Technology 25, 5575-5585 , 2023 2023 Citations: 59
Technology options and cost estimates of nuclear powered desalination in the United Arab Emirates BA Khuwaileh, FE Alzaabi, B Almomani, M Ali Journal of Nuclear Science and Technology 60 (3), 223-237 , 2023 2023 Citations: 17
Global damage evaluation of a dry storage structure subjected to postulated aircraft crashes B Almomani, TY Kim, YS Chang Progress in Nuclear Energy 156, 104554 , 2023 2023 Citations: 4
Study on EOPs for PORV-break LOCA in generic PWR simulator B Almomani, A Ababneh, M Zubair Nuclear Technology 209 (2), 214-227 , 2023 2023 Citations: 1
RVE MODELING APPROACH TO PREDICT THE MECHANICAL PROPERTIES OF ZRY-4 CLADDING WITH EMBEDDED HYDRIDE FIBERS B Almomani, J Syarif, A Waithira, M Zubair, YS Chang The Proceedings of the International Conference on Nuclear Engineering … , 2023 2023
MOST CITED SCHOLAR PUBLICATIONS
Molecular dynamics simulation and machine learning-based analysis for predicting tensile properties of high-entropy FeNiCrCoCu alloys O Elgack, B Almomani, J Syarif, M Elazab, M Irshaid, M Al-Shabi Journal of Materials Research and Technology 25, 5575-5585 , 2023 2023 Citations: 59
Structural integrity of a high-burnup spent fuel rod under drop impact considering pellet-clad interfacial bonding influence B Almomani, D Jang, S Lee Nuclear Engineering and Design 337, 324-340 , 2018 2018 Citations: 25
Expert opinions on strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats of utilizing nuclear reactor waste heat for water desalination B Almomani, A Alkhalidi, AG Olabi, H Jouhara Desalination 564, 116777 , 2023 2023 Citations: 18
Technology options and cost estimates of nuclear powered desalination in the United Arab Emirates BA Khuwaileh, FE Alzaabi, B Almomani, M Ali Journal of Nuclear Science and Technology 60 (3), 223-237 , 2023 2023 Citations: 17
Parametric study on the structural response of a high burnup spent nuclear fuel rod under drop impact considering post-irradiated fuel conditions B Almomani, S Kim, D Jang, S Lee Nuclear Engineering and Technology 52 (5), 1079-1092 , 2020 2020 Citations: 17
A software tool for integrated risk assessment of spent fuel transportation and storage M Yun, R Christian, BG Kim, B Almomani, J Ham, S Lee, HG Kang Nuclear Engineering and Technology 49 (4), 721-733 , 2017 2017 Citations: 17
Probabilistic risk assessment of aircraft impact on a spent nuclear fuel dry storage B Almomani, S Lee, D Jang, HG Kang Nuclear Engineering and Design 311, 104-119 , 2017 2017 Citations: 17
Structural analysis of a metal spent-fuel storage cask in an aircraft crash for risk assessment B Almomani, S Lee, HG Kang Nuclear Engineering and Design 308, 60-72 , 2016 2016 Citations: 15
Failure probability assessment of SNF cladding transverse tearing under a hypothetical transportation accident B Almomani, YS Chang Nuclear Engineering and Design 379, 111265 , 2021 2021 Citations: 14
Development of a probabilistic safety assessment framework for an interim dry storage facility subjected to an aircraft crash using best-estimate structural analysis B Almomani, D Jang, S Lee, HG Kang Nuclear Engineering and Technology 49 (2), 411-425 , 2017 2017 Citations: 12
Effects of alloying and grain boundary on primary irradiation defects in FeNiCrCoCu high entropy alloys: A molecular dynamics study B Almomani, MJ Banisalman, O Elgack, J Syarif Materials Today Communications 45, 112237 , 2025 2025 Citations: 6
Techno-economic feasibility study of coupling low-temperature evaporation desalination plant with advanced pressurized water reactor B Almomani, A Alkhalidi, AG Olabi, H Jouhara Nuclear Engineering and Design 420, 113030 , 2024 2024 Citations: 6
Machine learning applications in nuclear power plant piping inspection: A review of methods, data, and future trends AA Soomro, OK Siddiqui, A Shams, B Almomani Annals of Nuclear Energy 225, 111760 , 2026 2026 Citations: 5
Machine learning-based mechanical properties estimation and structural integrity assessment of SNF cladding under hypothetical drop accident conditions YG Shin, B Almomani, YS Chang Nuclear Engineering and Design 433, 113839 , 2025 2025 Citations: 5
A once-through artificial neural network approach for used nuclear fuel inverse depletion analysis: A comparative study BA Khuwaileh, B Almomani Annals of Nuclear Energy 205, 110598 , 2024 2024 Citations: 4
Global damage evaluation of a dry storage structure subjected to postulated aircraft crashes B Almomani, TY Kim, YS Chang Progress in Nuclear Energy 156, 104554 , 2023 2023 Citations: 4
Ductile tearing criteria and failure probability estimation of hydrided Zircaloy-4 cladding under axial loads B Almomani, SHS Kang, YS Chang, J Noh Journal of Mechanical Science and Technology 36 (7), 3409-3417 , 2022 2022 Citations: 4
Analysis methodology of local damage to dry storage facility structure subjected to aircraft engine crash B Almomani, TY Kim, YS Chang Nuclear Engineering and Technology 54 (4), 1394-1405 , 2022 2022 Citations: 4
Machine learning-based classification and regression approach for early detection of large break loss-of-coolant accident conditions B Almomani, BA Khuwaileh, SB Alam Arabian Journal for Science and Engineering 50 (22), 18971-18991 , 2025 2025 Citations: 3
A representative volume element model for investigating the hydride inclusion effect on ductility of Zry-based nuclear fuel cladding B Almomani, J Syarif, YS Chang Arabian Journal for Science and Engineering 50 (5), 3127-3144 , 2025 2025 Citations: 3
