Broad Area of Research: Material science and engineering, Nanotechnology, Energy storage, Mechanical characterisation & numerical modelling, Biofabrication

Prof. Cheng Yan and his team are conducting the research in the following areas:

• Structural and functional materials:

Research focus: 1) developing fibre and particle reinforced polymer composites with tailored mechanical, electrical and thermal properties for applications in light weight structural materials and functional materials (e. g. strain sensors and actuators); 2) structure-property relationship in light alloys (Mg and Al), metallic glasses and dissimilar welds.

• Nanomaterials and nanoscale characterisation:

Research focus: 1) synthesis of graphene, graphene hydrogel, MoS2, nanotubes, nanocomposites; 2) mechanical characterization and modelling of nano and 2D materials (e.g. graphene, BN, MOF, nanowires, multi-layer thin films, protein-mineral interface);

• Energy storage materials and electrochemistry-mechanics coupling:

Research focus: 1) developing high performance electrode materials and binders for rechargeable batteries (Li-ion, Na-ion, Li-S, Li metal, all solid and Zn-air batteries); 2) in-situ characterization and modelling of coupled electrochemistry-mechanics problems (e.g. structure instability in Si anode, dendrite growth, cracking in solid state electrolyte); 3) metallic alloys for hydrogen storage.

• Biofabrication:

Research focus: 1) fabrication and characterization of implants and scaffolds with hierarchical structures via combined additive manufacturing and freeze casting; 2) investigating strengthening and toughening mechanisms in biomaterial (e.g. bone and nacre) for development of bioinspired materials.

• Solid mechanics and numerical modelling:

Research focus: 1) fatigue, fracture mechanics and mechanical behaviour of materials at different length scales; 2) numerical modelling using finite element analysis, molecular dynamics and density function theory.

Grants Prof. Yan has received A$9 million research funds, including 19 grants from Australian Research Council (ARC). Selected Grants from ARC

• ARC Discovery-Project (DP210103266), 2021-2023 (A$562,309, CI) Recyclable and rechargeable all-solid-state sodium ion batteries
• ARC Discovery-Project (DP180102003), 2018-2020 (A$412,993, 1st CI) Characterization of mechanical behavior of lithiated silicon
• ARC Discovery-Project (DP180101955), 2018-2020 (A$408,011, CI) Bio-inspired design to overcome strength-toughness trade-off composites
• ARC Discovery-Project (DP150101717), 2015-2017 (A$295,900, 1st CI) Characterization of mechanical behavior of TiO2 nanotube thin films
• ARC Discovery-Project (DP0344929), 2003-2007 (A$449K, 1st CI), Characterization of soldered and adhesively bonded assemblies in photonic packages
• ARC Discovery-Project (DP0559237), 2005-2007, A$168K, 1st CI, Development of deformation-failure-mechanism based parameters for design of microstructured optical fibre and photonics assembly
• ARC Linkage-Project (LP200200965), 2021-2023 (A$366,516, CI), High performance bioderived hybrid fillers for rubber composite production
• ARC Linkage-Project (LP100200318), 2009-2012 (A$216,000, CI), A new generation high crash energy absorbing barrier for improved road safety.
• ARC Linkage-Project (LP0990514), 2008-2011 (A$156, 840, CI), Development of thin bed concrete masonry structural walls.
• ARC LIEF (LE190100066), 2019 (A$438, 783, CI) A femtosecond laser micromachining facility for a wide range ofmaterials.
• ARC LIEF (LE180100090), 2018 (A$1,136,244, CI) Xe-plasma dual beam for advanced future materials
• ARC LIEF (LE130100036), 2013 (A$310,000, CI) Super high speed grinding facility for difficult-to-machine materials and structure
• ARC LIEF (LE120100121), 2012 (A$270,000, first CI) An integrated system for characterization of mechanical behaviour of bio- and nanomaterials at micro and nano scales in Queensland.
• ARC LIEF (LE120100036), 2012 (A$440,000, CI) National in-situ transmission electron microscope facilities.
• ARC LIEF (LE130100036), 2013 (A$310,000, CI) Super high speed grinding facility for difficult-to-machine materials and structure.
• ARC LIEF (LE110100017), 2011 (A$300,000, CI) An integrated system for measuring thermoelectric properties of advanced materials.
• ARC LIEF (LE0989804), 2009 (A$150K, CI), A universal nano-tribometer for surface and thin film characterisation.
• ARC Australian Postdoctoral Fellowship (F89800824), 1998-2001 (A$203K, fellow), Fracture behavior of mis-matched interface cracks

Selected list of Awards and Recognitions

• Inaugural Queensland International Fellowship & category winner (2009)
• ARC Australian Research Fellowship (ARF), Australia Research Council (2003)
• ARC Australian Postdoctoral Fellowship (APD), Australia Research Council (1998)
• Sesqui Postdoctoral Fellowship, The University of Sydney (2002)
• Vice Chancellor Performance Award, 2014, QUT
• Vice Chancellor Performance Award, 2011, QUT
• Vice Chancellor Performance Award, 2010, QUT
• Guest Scientist in State Key Laboratory for Strength of Materials, China High Education Committee (2000 – 2001).
• Overseas Postgraduate Research Scholarship (OPRS), Department of Education, Training and Youth Affairs of Australia (1994 – 1997).
• Sydney University Postgraduate Research Scholarship, 1994-1997.
• Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) visiting scientist, 1987-1988.

Career History

• 2015 – Present: Professor, School of Mechanical, Medical and Process Engineering, Queensland University of Technology
• 2006 – 2015: Senior lecturer/associate professor, School of Engineering Systems, Queensland University of Technology
• 2003 – 2007: ARC Australian Research Fellow (ARF), School of Aerospace, Mechanical and Mechatronic Engineering, The University of Sydney
• 1998 – 2001: ARC Australian Postdoctoral Fellow (APD), Department of Mechanical and Mechatronic Engineering, The University of Sydney