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 💼

  • 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 📚

  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 (Mróz 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. 🚀

 

Somraj Sen | Wave propagation in metamaterials | Best Researcher Award

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Mr Somraj Sen | Wave propagation in metamaterials | Best Researcher Award

PhD, Purdue University, United States

Somraj Sen is a dedicated researcher and PhD student at Purdue University’s School of Mechanical Engineering, specializing in wave propagation, structural dynamics, and metamaterials. With a strong academic foundation, including an MS(Research) from IIT Delhi and a B.Tech from IIEST Shibpur, Somraj has demonstrated excellence in both theoretical and applied research. His work focuses on advanced computational methods, vibration control, and the design optimization of 2D lattice metamaterials. Passionate about innovation, Somraj has contributed to several high-impact journal articles and received prestigious awards for his innovative designs and research contributions.

Professional Profile 

Orcid

Education 🎓

Somraj Sen is currently pursuing a PhD in Mechanical Engineering at Purdue University (2024–ongoing) with a perfect CGPA of 4/4. He completed his MS(Research) in Civil Engineering at IIT Delhi (2022–2024) with a CGPA of 10/10, focusing on wave propagation in metabeams and 2D lattices. Earlier, he earned his B.Tech in Civil Engineering from IIEST Shibpur (2018–2022) with a CGPA of 9.04/10, where his thesis explored model reduction techniques for dynamic systems. His academic journey reflects a strong foundation in engineering and a passion for advanced research.

Experience 🔬

Somraj has extensive research experience in wave propagation, structural dynamics, and metamaterials. During his MS, he developed spectral element formulations for space frame elements and investigated bandgap characterization in beams with geometric modulations. His bachelor’s thesis focused on model reduction techniques for dynamic systems. He has also interned at IIT Delhi and IIEST Shibpur, working on Bayesian model updating and second-order instability effects on RC bridge columns. His expertise spans MATLAB, COMSOL, and finite element analysis, making him a versatile researcher.

Awards and Honors �

Somraj has been recognized for his innovative contributions to engineering. In 2021, he won the first prize in the National Civil/Structural Engineering Students Award Competition for designing an iconic steel roof structure. In 2020, he secured the second prize in Smart Traffic Systems at Build O’ Innovate 2020. These accolades highlight his creativity and problem-solving skills in structural engineering and design.

Research Focus 🔍

Somraj’s research focuses on wave propagation, structural dynamics, and metamaterials. He explores the behavior of 2D lattice metamaterials, spectral element methods, and finite element analysis. His work includes vibration control, uncertainty quantification, and design optimization. He investigates bandgap characterization, wave dispersion, and directional properties in complex geometries, aiming to advance the understanding of wave dynamics in engineered materials.

Publication Top Notes 📚

  1. “Influence of geometry on in-plane and out-of-plane wave propagation of 2D hexagonal and re-entrant lattices” – Composite Structures (2025).
  2. “Waves in beams with geometric modulations” – Journal of Sound and Vibration (Under Review).
  3. “Waves in a bio-inspired gyroid cellular architectured metabeam” – Finite Elements in Analysis and Design (Under Review).
  4. “Wave propagation through 2D lattices with thin-walled beams” – Thin-walled Structures (Submitted).

Conclusion 🌟

Somraj Sen is a highly accomplished researcher with a strong academic background and a passion for advancing the field of structural dynamics and metamaterials. His innovative research, coupled with his technical expertise and numerous accolades, positions him as a promising contributor to the engineering community. With a focus on wave propagation and design optimization, Somraj continues to push the boundaries of knowledge in mechanical and civil engineering.