Welcome To KFUPM Physics

Welcome to the Department of Physics at King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals. I invite you to explore our website where you can find information about our academic programs, courses, research activities, and faculty members. Physics has always been at the forefront of exploration. This is accomplished through cognitive enhancement by education transmitted through academic courses as well as carrying out research at the cutting-edge frontiers of human knowledge. The Physics department offer courses that are solidly based on the American system to meet international quality assurance requirements, which has placed the Department as a world-class regional center in a leading international institution. Our student body includes pure-physics students and double-major students, which reflects the interdisciplinary nature of our program. In addition, our research facilities span various fields of physics including condensed matter physics, lasers, materials research, magnetism and superconductivity, nuclear physics, and nonlinear and computational physics. Over the past five decades, our faculty members have conducted research using in-house facilities as well as collaborative research with national and international centers.

Mohammad Al-Kuhaili,
Professor & Chairman, Physics Department

Research and Academic activity statistics 2015 to 2021

3.1

Average Impact Factor Publications​

51

Patents

10042

Cumulative Citation Count​

452

Publications

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Recent Events

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Seminar

Asymmetric Harmonic Oscillator Generates Temperature Difference, Violating the Second Law of Thermodynamics

Speaker:
Ms. Saba Sabir
MS Student Regular
Date: Monday, 14 April 2025
Time: 11:00 a.m.
Location: Bldg. 6/Room 125

Abstract:
This article studies the asymmetric harmonic oscillator with four degrees of freedom. Solve the mode (resonance state) to obtain the relative amplitude of each particle, and the ratio of vibration kinetic energy. At the moment of thermal equilibrium of the oscillator, the total vibrational kinetic energy of each mode is 0.5kT. Kinetic energy of each particle is different, indicating that there is a temperature difference at different positions of the harmonic oscillator. This violates the 2nd and 0th laws of thermodynamics. By placing an AHO in the middle of 1D gas and conducting molecular dynamics analysis, the ratio of the average kinetic energy of the gases on both   sides is 1.41 so violates laws again.  SM assumes that the probability of a system's state depends only on its energy, leading to uniform equilibrium distributions. Dynamic interaction like collision and short-term effect influence probabilities challenging main core.

 

SEMINAR
Skyrmionic Spintronic Devices in van der Waals Magnetic Heterostructures.

Speaker:
Ms. Ruba Alzurayi
MS Student Regular
Date: Monday, 14 April 2025
Time: 11:15 a.m
Location: Bldg. 6/Room 125

Abstract:
Skyrmions are topologically protected spin textures that have attracted significant attention for their potential use in compact, low-power spintronic devices. Among the most promising platforms for realizing skyrmions are two-dimensional van der Waals magnetic heterostructures, where interfacial interactions can stabilize chiral magnetic states. In this talk, I will focus on a particular system to illustrate how material properties and external conditions influence skyrmion behavior in these layered structures.
 
SEMINAR
Machine Learning Ensembles for Predictive Modeling of Reactivity Pulse
Dynamics in TRIGA Type Research Reactor

Speaker:
Mr. Yasir Almulhim
Bachelor’s Student
Date: Monday, 14 April 2025
Time: 11:30 a.m
Location: Bldg. 6/Room 125

Abstract:
The proposed research aims to develop ensemble machine learning models to accurately predict the reactivity pulse values in an MTR (Materials Testing Reactor) type nuclear reactor, significantly enhancing operational safety, efficiency, and reliability. When a reactor goes offline, whether for maintenance, refueling, or addressing operational issues, the ability to predict and control reactivity pulses is crucial for ensuring safe shutdowns and minimizing radiation risks. This study utilizes historical data from MTR-type reactors, including reactor configurations, experimental conditions, and other relevant parameters. The proposed ensemble approach integrates multiple machine learning models, such as Random Forests, Gradient Boosting Machines, and Support Vector Machines, to capture complex relationships within the data and improve prediction accuracy and robustness over single-model approaches. This research focuses on careful preprocessing of the dataset, feature selection, and the design of an optimal ensemble framework to enhance the predictive capabilities of the models. By providing accurate reactivity pulse predictions, this research will contribute to better maintenance scheduling, optimized fuel management, minimized radiation risks, regulatory compliance, and reduced economic losses due to unplanned shutdowns. The ensemble model’s performance will be evaluated against traditional methods and single neural network models, using metrics such as prediction accuracy, stability, and interpretability. The outcome will offer a powerful and reliable tool for forecasting reactivity pulse values in MTR-type reactors, supporting safer and more efficient nuclear reactor operations.

 
All faculty, researchers and students are invited to attend.

    Location and Time
  • 6/125

  • 14 Apr, 2025

  • 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM