On November 3, 2026, Dr. Vincent Wai-Kei Ao, Dr. Xiao Wang, Dr. Xian-Hua Yao, and Mr. Hao-Yun Chen from CNERC-Rail (HK Branch) participated in the International Train Design Competition in person, while Mr. Jia-Hao Lu joined online. On October 13, the project successfully passed the preliminary selection. On October 21, the team completed a 3D-printed physical model of the composite metro car roof at PolyU, marking an important milestone in translating theoretical design into a tangible prototype. Finally, the team completed the project presentation and defense, ultimately securing the Gold Award.
The project originated in March 2026, following an academic seminar by Professor Stephen W. Tsai of Stanford University on Double-Double composite laminate theory. In July, the team officially established a composite materials research group, focusing on lightweight metro car body structures and intelligent design optimization. Starting from scratch, the team faced significant challenges, including the absence of original engineering drawings, limited technical documentation, and the complexity of structural modeling. Through close collaboration, the team conducted extensive technical research, structural modeling, finite element simulations, and composite layup optimization. They also engaged in valuable technical discussions with Professor Stephen W. Tsai, Henry Tsai, and other experts, continuously refining their design and bridging advanced composite theories with practical railway engineering applications.
This achievement represents the culmination of months of dedicated research, technical innovation, and collaborative effort. It highlights CNERC-Rail (HK Branch)’s capabilities in advanced composite materials, AI-assisted design, and railway structural optimization, while demonstrating the team’s perseverance, collaborative spirit, and commitment to shared success.
