Xin Lai – Mechanical Engineering – Best Researcher Award

Wuhan University of Technology – China

AUTHOR PROFILE

🔬 SIGNIFICANCE OF RESEARCH

Fluid-structure interaction (FSI) problems present a fundamental challenge in Civil and Environmental Engineering, particularly when dealing with complex scenarios involving large geometric deformations and material failure. Accurate modeling of these interactions is crucial for designing resilient infrastructure, predicting structural behavior under extreme conditions, and enhancing safety measures. My research introduces a groundbreaking approach that combines Non-Ordinary State-Based Peridynamics (NOSB-PD) with Updated Lagrangian Particle Hydrodynamics (ULPH) to address these challenges and improve the modeling of fluid-structure interactions.

🔍 PROBLEM ADDRESSED

Traditional methods for solving fluid-structure interaction issues often struggle with handling discontinuities and large deformations in materials, resulting in inaccuracies and computational instability. The demand for a robust, stable, and accurate method to simulate these interactions, especially for Newtonian fluids, is critical for advancing engineering practices. My research fills this gap by developing a coupled framework that integrates NOSB-PD and ULPH, offering a novel perspective and solution to fluid-structure interaction problems.

🛠️ METHODOLOGY EMPLOYED

The methodology developed integrates NOSB-PD theory to describe the deformation and fracture of solid materials with ULPH to represent the flow of Newtonian fluids. NOSB-PD is particularly effective in handling discontinuities and fractures in solids, while ULPH provides superior computational accuracy for fluid dynamics. By coupling these methods, my approach effectively models fluid-structure interactions with large deformations and material failure, enhancing the accuracy and stability of simulations.

💡 KEY INNOVATION

A major innovation of this research is the development of a fluid-structure coupling algorithm that uses pressure as the transmission medium to manage the interface between fluids and structures. This approach ensures robust and stable simulations, accurately representing the dynamic interactions between fluids and structures under varying conditions. This advancement significantly improves the reliability of simulations in complex scenarios.

🌍 IMPACT ON ENGINEERING PRACTICES

The ULPH-NOSBPD coupling approach represents a significant contribution to the field of Civil and Environmental Engineering. It provides a novel framework for accurately simulating fluid-structure interactions, with potential applications in infrastructure design and environmental management. This research addresses long-standing challenges in the field and offers innovative solutions that advance engineering practices.

🏆 HONOR AND FUTURE VISION

Being considered for the “Best Researcher Award” is a profound honor, and I am grateful for the opportunity to showcase my work. I am committed to advancing the field of Civil and Environmental Engineering and contributing to the continued development of innovative solutions. Thank you for considering my nomination, and I look forward to furthering our understanding and application of fluid-structure interactions through my research.

NOTABLE PUBLICATIONS

Peridynamics simulations of geomaterial fragmentation by impulse loads

Authors: X. Lai, B. Ren, H. Fan, S. Li, C.T. Wu, R.A. Regueiro, L. Liu

Journal: International Journal for Numerical and Analytical Methods in Geomechanics

Year: 2015

A non-ordinary state-based peridynamics modeling of fractures in quasi-brittle materials

Authors: X. Lai, L. Liu, S. Li, M. Zeleke, Q. Liu, Z. Wang

Journal: International Journal of Impact Engineering

Year: 2018

A peridynamics–SPH coupling approach to simulate soil fragmentation induced by shock waves

Authors: B. Ren, H. Fan, G.L. Bergel, R.A. Regueiro, X. Lai, S. Li

Journal: Computational Mechanics

Year: 2015

Higher-order nonlocal theory of Updated Lagrangian Particle Hydrodynamics (ULPH) and simulations of multiphase flows

Authors: J. Yan, S. Li, X. Kan, A.M. Zhang, X. Lai

Journal: Computer Methods in Applied Mechanics and Engineering

Year: 2020

Peridynamic stress is the static first Piola–Kirchhoff Virial stress

Authors: J. Li, S. Li, X. Lai, L. Liu

Journal: International Journal of Solids and Structures

Year: 2024