缅北禁地

I am a Lecturer in Mechanical Engineering at the School of Engineering, 缅北禁地. I received my PhD in Civil Engineering from Sichuan University, where I was trained intensively in experimental characterisation and multi-scale modelling of geomaterials subjected to impact loading. I then conducted exciting research as a Postdoctoral Research Associate at the Impact Engineering Laboratory, University of Oxford in close collaboration with Rolls-Royce plc. There I designed and developed a novel impact-loading system for better understanding advanced aerospace materials and structures in extreme conditions.

I find myself always fascinated by the complex behaviours of a variety of materials and engineering structures. I use both experimental and computational approaches to establish and enhance our understanding. As an adventurous researcher, I have collaboration with international academics on topics ranging from impact and shock mechanics, additive manufacturing, micro-seismic monitoring, natural geohazards, stability analysis of underground structures, biomechanics etc.

Meanwhile, as a passionate educator, I help the younger generation of engineers read and analyse the mechanics of the surroundings through the language of mathematics and physics, explore unknown areas with learnt skills and enthusiasm, and develop the world with a warm heart and responsibility. 

Qualifications

Fellow, Higher Education Academy (FHEA)

PhD in Civil Engineering, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China (2014 - 2018)

Thesis: Dynamic response and failure mechanism of rock under combined compression-shear impact loading, Supervisor: Prof. Feng Dai

BEng in Hydraulic and Hydropower Engineering, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China (2010 - 2014)

Thesis: Numerical analysis of mode-I, mode-II, and mixed-mode progressive fracture mechanism of cracked chevron notched Brazilian disc rock specimens, Supervisor: Prof. Feng Dai

Previous experience

Research Associate, University of Oxford (2018 – 2023)

• Rolls-Royce and EPSRC Prosperity Partnership Grant\ Cornerstone: Mechanical Engineering Science to Enable Aero Propulsion Futures.
• Developed a split Hopkinson tension-torsion bar system for dynamic characterisation of aerospace materials at multiaxial stress states and elevated strain rates.
• Pressure, strain rate and loading path dependency of metals, polymers, composites: mechanical design and testing, microstructural characterization, and numerical modelling.

My research focuses on characterising, understanding, predicting, and improving the mechanical behaviour of materials in extreme environments. I am particularly interested in lightweight alloys, geomaterials, polymers, and little biomaterials.

Skills and expertise

Mechanics of Materials, Solid Mechanics, Plasticity, Experimental Mechanics, Mechanical Testing, Multiaxial Loading, Combined Tension-Torsion, Combined Compression-Shear, Digital Image Correlation, High-Speed Imaging, Scanning Electron Microscopy, CAE, Finite Element Analysis, Abaqus, Titanium Alloys, Metals, Fractography, Microstructure, Impact Engineering, Dynamic Behaviour of Materials, Split Hopkinson Pressure Bar, Underground Rock Engineering, Geomaterials, Rock Materials, Fracture Mechanics, Fragmentation, Discrete Element Method, Confined Impact, Damage Model, Fracture Toughness.

PhD Students

Lily Howitt, 2025-2029, EPSRC Doctoral Landscape Award, "Multiaxial Fatigue Life Prediction for High-Performance Lightweight Alloy". Supervisory team: Dr Yuan Xu (lead), Prof Kenneth Dalgarno, Prof Brian Shaw.

Abdulraheem Abdullah S Alrefai, 2023-2027, "Understanding the Crosslinking Effects on Mechanical and Rheological Properties of Polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS)". Supervisory team: Prof Mark Geoghegan (lead), Dr Yuan Xu.

PhD Openings

Currently supporting self-funded or externally funded PhD applicants with research interests in:

• Dynamic Behaviour of Materials
• Impact Experimental Mechanics
• Plasticity and Modelling of Titanium Alloys
• Fracture Mechanics and Modelling of Soft Materials

PhD Application Link: Mechanical and Systems Engineering MPhil, PhD | Postgraduate | 缅北禁地 (ncl.ac.uk).

Application enquiries to Dr Yuan Xu: yuan.xu@newcastle.ac.uk

Publications and Research Areas see below:

ENG1007 Mechanics I (Stage 1)

MEC3098 Mechanical Engineering Project (Stage 3)

MEC8095 MSc Project: Mechanical and Systems Engineering (MSc)