Hang Xu | Mechanical Metamaterials | Best Researcher Award

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Assist. Prof. Dr Hang Xu | Mechanical Metamaterials | Best Researcher Award

Assistant Professor, Concordia University, Canada

Dr. Hang Xu is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Mechanical, Industrial, and Aerospace Engineering at Concordia University, Montreal, Canada. With a Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering from McGill University and an MSc in Aircraft Design from Beijing University of Aeronautics and Astronautics, Dr. Xu specializes in mechanical metamaterials, smart structures, and additive manufacturing. His research focuses on developing advanced materials with programmable morphing and motion for aerospace, medical, and robotic applications. Prior to joining Concordia, he held research positions at Imperial College London and Siemens, contributing to innovations in multi-stable structures, soft robotics, and medical devices. Dr. Xu is recognized for his teaching excellence and has received awards for his contributions to research during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Professional Profile

Orcid

Scopus

Education 🎓

  • Doctorate in Mechanical Engineering, McGill University (2013–2018)
    Supervisor: Damiano Pasini
  • Master’s Thesis in Aircraft Design, Beijing University of Aeronautics and Astronautics (2011–2013)
    Supervisor: Yuanming Xu
  • Bachelor’s in Aircraft Design and Engineering, Shenyang Aerospace University (2007–2011)
    Supervisor: Weiping Zhang

Experience đź’Ľ

  • Assistant Professor, Concordia University (2022–Present)
    Research on functional/smart metamaterials for aerospace, nautical, and medical applications.
  • Research Associate, Imperial College London (2020–2022)
    Developed multi-stable structures, soft robots, and medical devices.
  • Postdoctoral Researcher, McGill University (2018–2020)
    Worked on thermally actuated deployable mechanisms and additive manufacturing processes.
  • Internships: Chinese Aircraft Design Institute of Aviation Medicine (2012–2013) and Shenyang Aircraft Design Institute (2010–2011).

Awards and Honors 🏆

  • Teaching Excellence Award, Concordia University (2023)
  • Associate Fellowship of the Higher Education Academy (AFHEA), UK (2022)
  • Excellent Contribution to Research in COVID-19 Pandemic, Imperial College London (2021)
  • Winner of 3D-Printing Workshop Design Challenge, McGill University (2019)

Research Focus 🔬

Dr. Xu’s research focuses on mechanical metamaterials, smart materials and structures, and additive manufacturing. His work aims to develop materials with programmable morphing and motion for applications in aerospace structures, soft robotics, medical devices, and composite materials. Key areas include multiscale mechanics, finite element analysis, and the design of multi-stable structures for innovative functionalities.

Publication Top Notes đź“š

  1. Embedded pressure sensing metamaterials using TPU-graphene composites and additive manufacturing
  2. Generalized tessellations of superellipitcal voids in low porosity architected materials for stress mitigation
  3. Thermally actuated hierarchical lattices with large linear and rotational expansion
  4. Routes to program thermal expansion in three-dimensional lattice metamaterials built from tetrahedral building blocks
  5. ABAQUS user subroutine UMAT for elastoplastic nonlinear kinematic hardening material (MrĂłz model) with anisotropic plasticity
  6. Digitally Programmable Architected Materials with Static and Dynamic Reconfiguration
  7. Multi-stable meta-materials with programmable reconfigurations for soft robots
  8. 3D printed soft metamaterial force sensors for gait monitoring using TPU-graphene composites
  9. Overcoming the strength-modulus tradeoff using double network metamaterial lattices
  10. Multi-stable architectured materials with high-mobility morphing

Conclusion 🌟

Dr. Hang Xu is a leading researcher in mechanical metamaterials and smart structures, with a strong focus on innovative applications in aerospace, robotics, and medical devices. His contributions to teaching, research, and industry collaborations highlight his commitment to advancing materials science and engineering. Through his work, Dr. Xu continues to push the boundaries of programmable materials, paving the way for future technological advancements. 🚀

 

Vedrine Louis | Damage Mechanics | Best Paper Award

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Mr Vedrine Louis | Damage Mechanics | Best Paper Award

Ens Paris Saclay, France

Louis VĂ©drine is a dedicated researcher specializing in mechanics and material science, with a focus on snow and avalanche dynamics. Currently pursuing a PhD at the Centre d’Étude de la Neige/CNRM in Saint Martin d’Hères, France, Louis investigates the micro-scale mechanisms behind snow’s elasto-viscoplastic behavior. His academic journey includes a Master’s degree in Civil Engineering and extensive research experience at institutions like MĂ©tĂ©o France, EPFL, and ENS Paris-Saclay. Louis combines numerical modeling, experimental analysis, and fieldwork to address challenges in climate risks, structural safety, and natural hazard prevention. His work bridges theoretical research and practical applications, contributing to advancements in snow science and avalanche safety.

Professional Profile

Orcid

Education 🎓

Louis VĂ©drine holds a Master’s degree in Civil Engineering, with a focus on mechanics and material science. He is currently pursuing a PhD at the Centre d’Étude de la Neige/CNRM, where he studies the micro-scale mechanisms of snow’s elasto-viscoplastic behavior. His academic journey includes advanced studies at ENS Paris-Saclay and EPFL, where he developed expertise in numerical modeling, structural analysis, and natural hazard prevention. Louis’s education emphasizes interdisciplinary research, combining physics, engineering, and environmental science to address complex challenges in snow mechanics and avalanche dynamics.

Experience đź’Ľ

Louis Védrine has a diverse research background, including roles at Météo France, EPFL, and ENS Paris-Saclay. His PhD focuses on snow mechanics, while previous projects include improving snowpack models, studying avalanche dynamics, and developing tools for hydrogeological analysis. At EPFL, he researched the protective role of forests against avalanches, and at Météo France, he enhanced climate risk models. Louis also contributed to urban microclimate modeling at AREP and taught numerical methods at ENS Paris-Saclay. His work spans experimental, numerical, and field-based research, showcasing his versatility in addressing real-world challenges.

 

Research Focus 🔬

Louis VĂ©drine’s research focuses on understanding the mechanical behavior of snow and its implications for avalanche dynamics and climate risks. His PhD investigates the micro-scale mechanisms behind snow’s elasto-viscoplasticity, combining experimental and numerical approaches. He also studies the interaction between avalanches and forests, aiming to improve natural hazard prevention. Additionally, Louis has contributed to structural safety research, exploring non-local damage models and size effects in materials. His interdisciplinary work bridges material science, environmental engineering, and natural hazard mitigation.

Publication Top Notes đź“š

  1. Calibration of non-local damage models from full-field measurements: Application to discrete element fields
  2. Follow-up at the small scale during snow deformation. Microstructure evolution and local heterogeneities at various strain-rates.
  3. Role of Ice Mechanics on Snow Viscoplasticity
  4. Detrainment and braking of snow avalanches interacting with forests
  5. Detrainment and braking of small to medium snow avalanches interacting with forests.
  6. Detrainment and braking of snow avalanches interacting with forests

Conclusion 🌟

Louis VĂ©drine is a passionate researcher whose work in snow mechanics and avalanche dynamics has significant implications for climate risk mitigation and natural hazard prevention. His interdisciplinary approach, combining experimental, numerical, and field-based research, highlights his commitment to advancing scientific understanding and practical solutions. Through his PhD and collaborative projects, Louis continues to contribute to the fields of material science, environmental engineering, and natural hazard management, making a lasting impact on both academia and society.

Hang Xu | Mechanical Engineering | Best Researcher Award

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Dr Hang Xu | Mechanical Engineering | Best Researcher Award

Assistant Professor, Concordia University, Canada

Dr. Hang Xu is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Mechanical, Industrial, and Aerospace Engineering at Concordia University, Montreal, Canada. With a Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering from McGill University and an MSc in Aircraft Design from Beijing University of Aeronautics and Astronautics, Dr. Xu specializes in mechanical metamaterials, aerospace structures, soft robotics, and composite materials. His research focuses on developing advanced materials with programmable morphing and motion for applications in aerospace, sensors, actuators, and medical devices. Prior to joining Concordia, he held research positions at Imperial College London, Siemens Canada, and McGill University. Dr. Xu is recognized for his contributions to materials science and engineering, earning awards such as the Best Presentation Award at CSME/CFD2024 and the Teaching Excellence Award at Concordia University.

Professional Profile

Orcid

Scopus

Education 🎓

Dr. Hang Xu earned his Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering from McGill University (2013–2018), where he worked under the supervision of Dr. Damiano Pasini. He completed his Master’s in Aircraft Design at Beijing University of Aeronautics and Astronautics (2011–2013) under Dr. Yuanming Xu. His Bachelor’s degree in Aircraft Design and Engineering was obtained from Shenyang Aerospace University (2007–2011), supervised by Dr. Weiping Zhang. His academic journey reflects a strong foundation in aerospace and mechanical engineering, with a focus on advanced materials and structural design. Dr. Xu’s education has equipped him with expertise in multiscale mechanics, composite materials, and mechanical metamaterials, which he now applies to cutting-edge research and teaching at Concordia University.

Experience đź’Ľ

Dr. Hang Xu has a diverse professional background, including roles as a Research Associate at Imperial College London (2020–present), a Postdoctoral Intern at Siemens Canada (2019–2020), and a Postdoctoral Researcher at McGill University (2018–2019). Since 2022, he has been an Assistant Professor at Concordia University, where he teaches and leads research in aerospace and mechanical engineering. His industrial experience at Siemens involved working on aero-derivative gas turbines, while his academic roles have focused on mechanical metamaterials, soft robotics, and composite materials. Dr. Xu’s career bridges academia and industry, combining theoretical research with practical applications in aerospace, robotics, and medical devices.

Awards and Honors 🏆

Dr. Hang Xu has received several accolades, including the Best Presentation Award at the 2024 Canadian Society for Mechanical Engineering (CSME) International Congress and the Teaching Excellence Award from Concordia University in 2023 for his course on Aircraft Design. He was also recognized for his contributions to COVID-19 research at Imperial College London in 2021. His work on mechanical metamaterials and aerospace structures has earned him a reputation as a leading researcher in his field. These awards highlight his excellence in both research and teaching, underscoring his commitment to advancing engineering knowledge and mentoring the next generation of engineers.

Research Focus 🔬

Dr. Hang Xu’s research focuses on mechanical metamaterials, soft robotics, composite materials, and multiscale mechanics. He aims to develop advanced materials with programmable morphing and motion for innovative applications in aerospace structures, sensors, actuators, and medical devices. His work explores the design and optimization of materials with tailored properties, such as controllable thermal expansion, high stiffness, and programmable deformations. By integrating computational modeling and experimental validation, Dr. Xu’s research bridges the gap between material science and engineering, enabling the creation of next-generation technologies for aerospace, robotics, and healthcare.

Publication Top Notes đź“š

  1. Generalized tessellations of superellipitcal voids in low porosity architected materials for stress mitigation
  2. Thermally Actuated Hierarchical Lattices With Large Linear and Rotational Expansion
  3. Routes to program thermal expansion in three-dimensional lattice metamaterials built from tetrahedral building blocks
  4. Multiscale isogeometric topology optimization for lattice materials
  5. Multilevel hierarchy in bi-material lattices with high specific stiffness and unbounded thermal expansion
  6. Structurally Efficient Three-dimensional Metamaterials with Controllable Thermal Expansion

Conclusion 🌟

Dr. Hang Xu is a distinguished researcher and educator in mechanical and aerospace engineering, with a strong focus on mechanical metamaterials, soft robotics, and composite materials. His academic and professional journey, marked by prestigious awards and impactful research, demonstrates his commitment to advancing engineering solutions for real-world challenges. Through his innovative work and dedication to teaching, Dr. Xu continues to inspire and shape the future of engineering.

Xiaofei Cao – Mechanics – Best Researcher Award

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Xiaofei Cao - Mechanics - Best Researcher Award

Wuhan University of Technology - China

AUTHOR PROFILE

GOOGLE SCHOLAR

🔧 EXPERT IN 3D-PRINTED LATTICE STRUCTURES

Xiaofei Cao is at the forefront of research into the mechanical properties of 3D-printed lattice structures, particularly those made from stainless steel. Her work on the improved rhombic dodecahedron lattice structure of variable cross-section has paved the way for stronger and more efficient designs in additive manufacturing, contributing significantly to advancements in this innovative field.

🚀 LEADING PROGRESS IN MECHANICAL METAMATERIALS

Xiaofei Cao's research is crucial to the recent progress in active mechanical metamaterials. Her construction principles have led to the development of materials with unique mechanical properties that can be dynamically adjusted. These advancements hold potential for a wide range of applications, from aerospace engineering to biomedical devices, making her a key figure in this cutting-edge field.

đź’Ą DYNAMIC COMPRESSIVE BEHAVIOR IN STAINLESS STEEL LATTICES

Xiaofei Cao has conducted extensive studies on the dynamic compressive behavior of modified additively manufactured rhombic dodecahedron 316L stainless steel lattice structures. Her research provides valuable insights into how these materials respond under high-pressure conditions, which is essential for their application in environments where durability and resilience are critical.

đź“Š COMPRESSION EXPERIMENTS AND NUMERICAL EVALUATION

Through rigorous compression experiments and numerical evaluations, Xiaofei Cao has analyzed the mechanical responses of lattice structures with stochastic geometric defects that arise from the additive manufacturing process. Her work helps to identify and mitigate these defects, leading to more reliable and predictable performance in 3D-printed components.

🏗️ INNOVATOR IN ADDITIVE MANUFACTURING

As an innovator in the field of additive manufacturing, Xiaofei Cao’s research focuses on optimizing the mechanical properties of printed materials. By improving the design and manufacturing processes, she is contributing to the development of stronger, more adaptable, and more efficient structures that are crucial in various industries, from construction to automotive engineering.

đź“š AUTHOR AND RESEARCHER IN MATERIAL SCIENCE

Xiaofei Cao has published numerous research papers that have become essential references in the field of material science. Her work is widely recognized for its depth and innovation, influencing both academic research and industrial practices. Her contributions are helping to shape the future of mechanical metamaterials and additive manufacturing.

🔍 DEDICATED TO ADVANCING MATERIALS ENGINEERING

Xiaofei Cao is dedicated to advancing the field of materials engineering through her innovative research and development. Her focus on understanding and improving the mechanical properties of additively manufactured materials is contributing to significant advancements in how materials are designed, tested, and applied in real-world scenarios, ensuring that her work has a lasting impact on the industry.

NOTABLE PUBLICATION

Deformation Behavior and Band Gap Switching Function of 4D Printed Multi-Stable Metamaterials
Authors: W. Hu, Z. Ren, Z. Wan, D. Qi, X. Cao, Z. Li, W. Wu, R. Tao, Y. Li
Journal: Materials & Design
Year: 2021

Numerical Analysis of the Mechanical Behavior and Energy Absorption of a Novel P-Lattice
Authors: X. Cao, D. Zhang, B. Liao, S. Fang, L. Liu, R. Gao, Y. Li
Journal: Thin-Walled Structures
Year: 2020

In-Situ Synchrotron X-Ray Tomography Investigation of the Imperfect Smooth-Shell Cylinder Structure
Authors: X. Cao, Z. Huang, C. He, W. Wu, L. Xi, Y. Li, D. Fang
Journal: Composite Structures
Year: 2021

Effect of Double Impact Positions on the Low Velocity Impact Behaviors and Damage Interference Mechanism for Composite Laminates
Authors: B. Liao, P. Wang, J. Zheng, X. Cao, Y. Li, Q. Ma, R. Tao, D. Fang
Journal: Composites Part A: Applied Science and Manufacturing
Year: 2020

Dynamic Mechanical Performances of Enhanced Anti-Tetra-Chiral Structure with Rolled Cross-Section Ligaments under Impact Loading
Authors: L. Kai, C. Xiaofei, Z. Peng, W. WenWang, L. Ying
Journal: International Journal of Impact Engineering
Year: 2022