Prof. GAO Huajian of Tsinghua University delivers “Mechano-X: Interdisciplinary Research and Innovation at the Frontiers of Mechanics”

Abstract

The classical subjects of solid mechanics, structural mechanics, and the mechanics of materials have played important roles in the development of structural and functional materials, leading to recent advances in nanostructured materials, biomedical materials, mechanical metamaterials, soft actuators, flexible electronics, tunable mechanochromics, regenerative mechanomedicine, and more. While these classical subjects often focus on the passive understanding of mechanical properties and behaviours of matter in their existing forms, a paradigm shift—referred to as mechano-X, encompassing mechanobiology, mechanochemistry, and mechanomaterials—is emerging or accelerating. This shift moves toward the proactive modulation or programming of various properties and functionalities in engineering and biological systems based on the fundamental principles of mechanics. Here, we present a couple of examples that illustrate some of the recent advances in mechano-X, including mechano-energy, mechano-interfaces, and mechano-materials.