Education

Dr. Xinyao Zhu has a robust educational background in engineering and mechanics. He earned his Ph.D. in Engineering from the University of Warwick, focusing on the effect of surface adhesion in contact mechanics, with his thesis awarded on February 17, 2016. His doctoral research utilized finite element simulation and AFM-based nanoindentation experiments to explore micro/nano-scale interactions. Prior to his Ph.D., he obtained a Master of Engineering (M.Eng.) in Solid Mechanics from Xi’an Jiaotong University, where he conducted a dissertation on stress analysis of carbon fiber composites. He also holds a Bachelor of Engineering (B.Eng.) in Engineering Mechanics from the same institution, graduating with first-class honors. Additionally, Dr. Zhu completed a minor in Finance, showcasing a diverse academic interest. His comprehensive education equips him with a solid foundation in both theoretical and applied aspects of mechanical engineering, contributing to his successful research and teaching career.

Professional Experience

Dr. Xinyao Zhu is an accomplished Associate Professor at the School of Mechanical Engineering, Tianjin University, where he has been a faculty member since December 2018, dedicating a significant portion of his time to academic research. Before this role, he worked as a Postdoctoral Research Fellow at the University of Surrey, where he developed a new technique for optimizing prosthetic sockets for lower limb amputees as part of an EU Horizon 2020 project. He also served as a Postdoctoral Research Fellow at the University of Warwick, focusing on the design and fabrication of functional surfaces with controllable properties. In addition to his research roles, Dr. Zhu has held administrative positions, including project assistant for an EU-funded project. His diverse experiences span teaching, research, and project management, reflecting his commitment to advancing engineering solutions and education while contributing to significant research initiatives in the field of mechanical engineering.

Research Interest

Dr. Xinyao Zhu’s research interests lie at the intersection of mechanical engineering, materials science, and biomedical applications. He focuses on contact mechanics, particularly the effects of surface adhesion at micro and nano scales, utilizing finite element methods and atomic force microscopy to investigate these interactions. His work includes the development of advanced prosthetic devices, emphasizing the design and optimization of prosthetic sockets for lower limb amputees, with a goal of improving user comfort and functionality. Additionally, Dr. Zhu explores the adhesion interactions between biological cells and nanoparticles, aiming to enhance drug delivery systems for cancer treatments through machine learning classifiers. His research also extends to vibration isolation systems, investigating quasi-zero stiffness mechanisms for improved performance in various applications. Overall, Dr. Zhu’s multifaceted research contributes to innovative solutions in healthcare technology and material engineering, with an emphasis on practical applications that address real-world challenges.

Award and Honors

Dr. Xinyao Zhu has received several notable awards and honors throughout his academic and research career, reflecting his contributions to the fields of mechanical engineering and biomedical applications. His innovative work on optimizing prosthetic devices and enhancing cancer diagnostics has been recognized within academic circles, notably through funding from prestigious programs like the EU Horizon 2020. Dr. Zhu has been a principal investigator for multiple research projects funded by the Nuclear Power Institute of China, underscoring his impact in engineering applications. His collaborative efforts in various international research initiatives, particularly those focusing on cutting-edge technologies in healthcare, have earned him recognition among peers and institutions. Furthermore, his commitment to education, evidenced by the development of innovative teaching methods and courses, has also garnered appreciation from students and faculty alike. Dr. Zhu’s accolades highlight his dedication to advancing knowledge and technology in both engineering and medical fields.

Publications Top Noted 

• Zhu, X., Liu, Y., Ye, J., … Zhao, X., Liu, T. (2024). Study on the adverse effect of acid-corrosion on the dentin in terms of degradation of fracture resistance. Journal of the Mechanical Behavior of Biomedical Materials, 150, 106225.
• Qin, R., Zhu, X., Song, Z. (2023). The Preliminary Investigation of the Effect of Caries on the Extension of Dentin Cracks. BIO Web of Conferences, 60, 02004.
• Zhu, X., Qin, R., Qu, K., … Zhao, X., Xu, W. (2023). Corrigendum to ‘Atomic force microscopy–based assessment of multimechanical cellular properties for classification of graded bladder cancer cells and cancer early diagnosis using machine learning analysis’. Acta Biomaterialia, 162, pp. 324.
• Zhu, X., Qin, R., Qu, K., … Zhao, X., Xu, W. (2023). Atomic force microscopy–based assessment of multimechanical cellular properties for classification of graded bladder cancer cells and cancer early diagnosis using machine learning analysis. Acta Biomaterialia, 158, pp. 358–373.
• Zhu, X., Wang, S., Ye, J., Guo, H., Wang, R. (2022). Investigation of fracture-resistance of human teeth at the dentin-enamel junction using the J-integral calculation of finite element analysis. Journal of Mechanics in Medicine and Biology, 22(10), 2250069.
• Zhu, X., Wang, S., Qin, R. (2022). The effect of surface tension on the adhesion performance of nanoscale fibrillary structures——a theoretical prediction. European Journal of Mechanics, A/Solids, 96, 104746.
• Yang, C., Yang, X., Wang, M., … Shi, B., Zhu, X. (2022). Application of bionic superhydrophobic surface in jaw end face of microgripper. Zhongguo Jiguang/Chinese Journal of Lasers, 49(10), 1002602.
• Tian, Y., Lin, W., Qu, K., Wang, Z., Zhu, X. (2022). Insights into cell classification based on combination of multiple cellular mechanical phenotypes by using machine learning algorithm. Journal of the Mechanical Behavior of Biomedical Materials, 128, 105097.
• Wang, S., Zhu, X., Wang, R., Ye, J., Guo, H. (2022). Investigation of fracture-resistance of human teeth at the dentin-enamel junction using the J-integral calculation of finite element analysis. In 2022 IEEE International Conference on Manipulation, Manufacturing and Measurement on the Nanoscale, 3M-NANO 2022 – Proceedings, pp. 54–59.
• Zhu, X., Yan, J., Lin, W. (2022). Effect of surface tension on hysteresis losses during approach-retraction of spherical adhesive contact. Journal of Adhesion, 98(7), pp. 995–1015.