Abstract: With their uniquely three-dimensional, wavy whiskers, harbor seals (Phoca vitulina) exhibit exceptional underwater sensing capabilities. Studies have shown that harbor seals can detect weak vortices with flow velocities as low as 245 μm·s−1 and can track hydrodynamic trails left by targets up to 180 m away and as long as 35 s earlier. These abilities highlight the remarkable advantages of harbor seal whiskers in underwater vortex sensing and hydrodynamic trail tracking. Bio-inspired sensor designs based on harbor seal whiskers have thus become a research hotspot in biomimetic science and engineering, demonstrating promising applications in underwater target detection and recognition. This paper first reviews research progress on the morphological characteristics and geometric modeling of harbor seal whiskers, summarizing and comparing the strengths and limitations of different simplified models. It then provides an overview of advances in the hydrodynamic characteristics of biomimetic whisker models, covering wake features and vibration responses of such models in uniform and wake flows, the sensing mechanisms of harbor seal whiskers, interactions within whisker arrays, and applications of artificial intelligence methods in sensing-signal recognition. Finally, based on the shortcomings and key open questions in existing research, the paper outlines several research directions that warrant attention for advancing biomimetic science and engineering applications of harbor seal whiskers.
Zhao H H, Ji C N, Li X H, Zhang Z M, Yuan D K, Zhang J F, Chen W L. A review of morphology characteristics and sensing mechanisms of harbor seal whiskers. AdvancesinMechanics, in press. doi: 10.6052/1000-0992-25-037.
Abstract: Energetic composites constitute a class of architected material systems whose mechanical, thermal, and safety-related properties can be tailored over a broad design space through multiscale structural design. However, their overall performance is often constrained by degradation mechanisms originating at the particle/matrix interface, including thermal mismatch, stress concentration, and interfacial debonding. These effects are further amplified under extreme service conditions, thereby undermining structural reliability and operational safety. Fundamentally, this challenge reflects a highly coupled multi-objective optimization problem involving mechanical, thermal, and safety performance. Interfacial engineering offers an effective pathway to address this challenge. By introducing functionalized coatings at the particle scale, stress transfer and heat-transport behaviors can be synergistically regulated, enabling energetic composites to access performance regimes in which mechanical robustness and thermal stability coexist. Despite rapid advances in experimental characterization, theoretical modeling, and data-driven approaches, a unified framework that systematically links interfacial architectural design with mechano–thermal synergy remains lacking. This review provides a comprehensive survey of recent progress in interfacial coating strategies for energetic composites. Emphasis is placed on coating material systems, fabrication routes, and microstructural descriptors, together with their influences on macroscopic mechanical and thermal properties. The interfacial coupling mechanisms responsible for coordinated enhancements in stiffness, strength, thermal conductivity, and thermal expansion behavior are further elucidated. On this basis, an integrated “materials–microstructure–process–characterization–model–artificial intelligence (AI)” framework is outlined to guide the rational design and scalable manufacture of multifunctional energetic composites and structural components.
Zeng X, He R Q, Guan W F, Lu Q S, Ma W B, Zhao Z Y, Lu T J. Cross-scale mechanisms of interfacial coating-enabled synergistic regulation of mechano–thermal properties in energetic composites. AdvancesinMechanics, in press. doi: 10.6052/1000-0992-25-040.
Abstract: A dynamic multiscale topology optimization method based on equivalent static load method (ESLM) and structural genome databases (SGD) is proposed in this paper. This method transforms the complex transient dynamics optimization problem into a multi-condition static optimization problem by ESLM, and replaces the asymptotic homogenization analysis with the pre-trained graph convolutional neural networks (GCNN) model in the structural genome databases, which significantly improves the computational efficiency. In the optimization framework, the moving morphable component (MMC) method is used to describe the macro and micro structures, and the collaborative optimization design between the two scales is realized. The effectiveness of the proposed method is verified by a numerical example of MBB beam structure under transient load. The results show that the maximum strain energy of the optimized structure is reduced by about 20.80%, the average strain energy is reduced by 51.44%, and the maximum displacement amplitude of the load point is reduced by 72.31%. It shows the superior performance and engineering application potential of this method in multi-scale structural topology optimization and impact resistance design under dynamic conditions.
Lin X J, Xu Z A, Guo T T, Bian H W, Guo X, Du Z L. Dynamic multiscale topology optimization based on equivalent static load method and structural genome databases. AdvancesinMechanics, in press. doi: 10.6052/1000-0992-26-002.
Abstract: Uncertainty quantification (UQ) and uncertainty-based design optimization (UBDO), as an emerging design paradigm for flight vehicles, provide a systematic methodological framework for addressing the precise characterization, propagation, and design optimization of uncertainties. This paper reviews the core concepts and key technologies in this field. It summarizes the uncertainty challenges associated with critical systems and significant environmental conditions of flight vehicles. Based on the latest research progress, five key research directions are identified: (1) High-dimensional uncertainty quantification and efficient propagation: Constructing an adaptive high-dimensional UQ framework by integrating techniques such as dimensionality reduction, compressed sensing, and low-rank tensor decomposition to effectively address the “curse of dimensionality”. (2) Hybrid uncertainty quantification and efficient propagation: A unified framework is established to accommodate various types of uncertainties—including probabilistic, interval, fuzzy, and evidence theory. The computational efficiency for complex, multi-source uncertainty problems is further enhanced by incorporating surrogate modeling and active learning strategies. (3) Multi-level and multi-fidelity UQ framework: Achieving dynamic and optimal allocation of computational resources across models of varying fidelities by integrating techniques like generalized approximate control variates and adaptive multi-index stochastic collocation. (4) Uncertainty-based design optimization algorithms and frameworks: Unifying probabilistic constraints and robustness metrics within a multi-objective optimization and decision-making framework under uncertainty, enabling trade-off optimization among performance, reliability, and robustness through single-loop and decoupled optimization strategies. (5) Uncertainty design and analysis based on artificial intelligence techniques: Centered on physics-informed neural networks, this direction incorporates physical knowledge and multi-source data to establish intelligent frameworks for uncertainty quantification and optimization.
Zhang H R, Wang Y, Hong D P. Research advances in uncertainty quantification and design optimization for flight vehicles. AdvancesinMechanics, in press. doi: 10.6052/1000-0992-25-032.
Abstract: The problem of elastoplastic crack propagation in isothermal or room temperature environments, typified by the failure of thin-walled aircraft metallic structures, poses a severe challenge to the applicability of Linear Elastic Fracture Mechanics (LEFM) and J-integral theory due to characteristics such as large-scale yielding and stable crack growth. Despite the successive proposal of various parameters—including fracture strain, Crack Tip Opening Angle/Displacement (CTOA/D), Essential Work of Fracture (EWF), and incremental crack-tip integrals—the distinct physical interpretations, ambiguous interrelationships, and questionable “transferability” of these parameters have severely hindered the development of a unified theory and its engineering applications. To address this dilemma, this paper constructs a unified theoretical framework for elastoplastic fracture, adopting the Fracture Process Zone (FPZ) as the core perspective under the simplifying assumptions of neglecting thermal source effects and body forces. This framework not only offers a unified and self-consistent explanation for historical conundrums such as the Rice paradox but also systematically demonstrates that mainstream parameters, including incremental integrals, CTOA/D, fracture strain, and EWF, are intrinsically equivalent to the driving force on “steady FPZ”, thereby revealing the inherent unity among existing elastoplastic fracture parameters. Furthermore, by elucidating the thermodynamic significance of the power balance laws for a body with an extending crack, the framework establishes the FPZ as an independent thermodynamic system possessing “autonomy”, providing a solid theoretical foundation for the “transferability” of fracture parameters. This paper aims to systematically elaborate on the construction process, core arguments, and academic significance of this theoretical framework.
Lu L K. Mode I elastic-plastic fracture theory from the perspective of fracture process zone. AdvancesinMechanics, in press. doi: 10.6052/1000-0992-25-041.
Abstract: With the global aging population and high incidence of chronic diseases, major intractable conditions such as cardiovascular diseases, tumors, and diabetes have become primary challenges to public health and socioeconomic development worldwide. Their pathological processes are often accompanied by abnormal remodeling of the extracellular matrix (ECM) and disruption of mechanical homeostasis, rendering traditional treatments ineffective in reversing these conditions. Recent studies reveal that actively modulating the mechanical properties of the ECM through principles of materials science and engineering to precisely mediate cellular behavior can effectively activate endogenous tissue repair, significantly promoting tissue regeneration. This research strategy, termed force-materials science, involves actively designing materials to leverage force−structure−function relationships for proactive control of the mechanical environment within biological systems. Based on this concept, this paper proposes: systematically identifying the molecular composition of the ECM from a matrixomics perspective and deconstructing its mechanical information encoding; utilizing matrix biomechanics to understand cell−ECM interaction mechanisms and decipher pathological ECM “re-encoding” processes; and, grounded in deep understanding of the ECM’s mechanical microenvironment, exploring matrix engineering technologies for “de-encoding” abnormal ECM and restoring function by integrating matrix biomechanics principles, ultimately achieving the goal of matrix therapy for endogenous tissue repair. Specifically, this paper introduces the composition and dynamic coding of the ECM, systematically summarizes the physiological/pathological changes in abnormal ECM mechanical microenvironments, and emphasizes the proposal and construction of novel matrix engineering and therapeutic strategies based on molecular targeting and material reconstruction. These efforts aim to provide new theoretical foundations and innovative approaches for the intervention of major intractable diseases and the advancement of regenerative medicine.
Xie Y Z, Liu Z X R, Xu F, Wei Z. Advances in matrix engineering and matrix therapy driven by extracellular matrix mechanics. AdvancesinMechanics, in press. doi: 10.6052/1000-0992-25-029.
Abstract: The high-temperature gas dynamics was originated from significant changes of macroscopic laws of the gas flows due to physical property changes of the gas mediums when its temperature become extremely high, which goes beyond basic assumptions and research scopes of the gas dynamics. The high-temperature gas dynamics was developed as the core technology for the next generation of aerospace industries is ceaselessly explored when human activities greatly are expanding into the space. This discipline is one of the best models of the engineering science and leads to the development and innovation of the gas dynamics which is pushed forward by the mechanism of application-driven-research. Four dominant research areas of the high-temperature gas dynamics are selected in this paper to conduct a general review with discussions, hoping to help more or less the development of high-temperature gas dynamics. The first area is about hypersonic ground test facilities and measurement technologies. Three typical high-enthalpy shock tunnels were introduced and have been applied to generate the flow velocity of 1.5 ~ 10 km·s−1 at flight altitudes of 20 ~ 100 km. The advanced test facilities are very important for the frontier expansion of disciplines and the discovery of new phenomena in fluid flow physics. The progress in the research area also highlights this truth. The second area is about theories and experiments of hypersonic gas flows, which include their physical and mathematical models, computational methods and results of experimental observations and measurements. Among them, the development of gas physical models is much slower than expected since it is still limited to applications and improvements of the early-developed physical models. The computational method has been developed rapidly, so there are more and more flow phenomena that can be simulated. The progress on the experimental research also is promising due to some large test-model experiments that reproduced model-scaled effects of the hypersonic flow experiments, from which the high-temperature gas physics phenomena revealed is well consistent with hypersonic flight tests. The third one is about supersonic combustion and scramjet engines. This is a research field that has been hot for several decades, during which theoretical and technical researches had achieved a great progress and flight tests have also yielded fruitful results. However, the development of scramjet engines still cannot meet engineering needs and the scramjet engine theory still has difficulties to explain the problems encountered. Therefore, the research of the supersonic combustion and the scramjet engines urgently needs theoretical innovation and technological breakthroughs. The last is about detonation physics and oblique detonation engines. The oblique detonation engine was both almost in the same time with the scramjet engine together, and its research has received a renewed attention only from the beginning of this century. There have been innovative breakthroughs in detonation theory and oblique detonation research since then. And also, a great progress has been made in the standing oblique detonation engine and the hypersonic shock tunnel technology. The oblique detonation engine accepts the unique pressure-gain combustion phenomenon in nature, having the fastest combustion speed, the highest thermal efficiency for its thermal cycle and low heat loads so that it would have a great advantage over others. Finally, the theories, technologies and experiments are summarized about the four research areas of the high-temperature gas dynamics, with which it is expected to provide this discipline with some useful enlightenments.
Jiang Z L. Theory and technology of high-temperature gas dynamics research and applications. AdvancesinMechanics, in press. doi: 10.6052/1000-0992-25-023.
Abstract: Microgravity science is one of the cornerstones of space science and applications. It represents an emerging focal point in the global science and technology arena and stands as a significant hallmark of national competitiveness in space technology. With the completion of China’s space station and the impending retirement of the International Space Station, China’s space station—serving as a national space laboratory—will solicit and carry out over a thousand scientific research projects during its operational lifetime, providing a unique experimental platform and offering unprecedented opportunities for the development of microgravity science in China. Based on the 385th “Shuangqing Forum” of the National Natural Science Foundation of China (NSFC), this paper summarizes the challenges and difficulties faced by China’s microgravity science and technology research. It reviews the major progress and achievements made in recent years in fields of microgravity fluid physics, microgravity manufacturing and space technology, and microgravity life sciences and biomedical engineering technology. Furthermore, the article identifies the critical scientific issues facing the field of microgravity science and technology in the coming 5 to 10 years, and discusses frontier research directions and suggestions for the development of the discipline.
He G W, Zhou J P, Zhang W H, Gu Y D, Zhang P F, Chen M, Kang Q, Long M, Tian Q, Zhang L, Ba J, Zhu J H, Wang L Z, Lyu S Q, Li Z B. Microgravity science: The new horizon for knowledge expansion and transformative technologies. AdvancesinMechanics, in press. doi: 10.6052/1000-0992-25-043.
Abstract: In complex unsteady wakes, the fluid–structure interaction (FSI) modes can differ significantly from those under uniform flows, often involving rich physical mechanisms. This paper reviews recent advances in three representative FSI phenomena: vortex-induced vibration (VIV) of cylinders, flapping of flexible plates, and locomotion of swimming/flying organisms. These phenomena are widely observed in both nature and engineering applications and span self-excited, active, and hybrid FSI modes. First, we compare the response modes under uniform and unsteady wake inflows. Results show that incoming vortices can substantially amplify vibration amplitudes of cylinders and plates, potentially triggering new instabilities. In contrast, biological swimmers may actively exploit incoming vortices by modulating their motions to enhance propulsion efficiency. Furthermore, this paper discusses potential applications of such FSI modes in complex wake flows, including enhanced energy harvesting from flow-induced vibrations and the development of bioinspired robots with improved sensing and decision-making capabilities. Finally, the challenges and future research directions in this area are outlined to guide further exploration.
Han P, Zhang J D, Li Y R, Fan D X, Huang W X. Fluid–structure interaction modes under complex unsteady vortices: a review. AdvancesinMechanics, in press. doi: 10.6052/1000-0992-25-022.
Abstract: Nanofluidics examines fluid flow and mass transport within nanoscale confined geometries. It is not a simple downscaling of macroscopic flows; rather, changes in the dominant forces and boundary conditions under confinement give rise to a range of new phenomena and applications. With the development of nanotechnology, the controllable fabrication of nano- and even sub-nanometer artificial structures has become possible, providing an experimental foundation for systematic studies of flow and transport under extreme confinement and extending fluid mechanics toward microscopic scales. This review provides an overview of the basic concepts, key scientific questions, experimental research methods, and major application directions of nanofluidics. First, we outline the key scientific questions in extremely confined flow and transport, including slip-boundary flow in nanochannels, coupled mechanisms between flow and mass transport, two-phase flow models in confined spaces, and the breakdown of continuum assumptions under extreme conditions. Second, we summarize typical nanostructure fabrication techniques and experimental characterization methods designed for probing flow and transport in highly confined spaces. We also describe multiscale simulation approaches, ranging from continuum theories to molecular dynamics and first-principles calculations, and their roles in uncovering the mechanisms of nanoscale flow. Finally, we discuss major application areas, such as drag reduction, energy conversion, chemical engineering, artificial intelligence, advanced manufacturing, and biomedicine. Overall, nanofluidics provides a critical connection between molecular-scale dynamics and macroscopic transport phenomena, and is becoming an emerging direction in fluid mechanics and interdisciplinary science.
Yan M, Luan S Y, Shi D L, Gu Y W, Lu J J, Xie Y B. Nanofluidics: Flow and transport at nanoscale. AdvancesinMechanics, in press. doi: 10.6052/1000-0992-25-034.
Abstract: In this review, we primarily address the present state of the arts and latest progresses in a few frontier issues mostly relevant to free surface/interface in ocean engineering. They include TC (tropical cyclone) induced extreme surface wave, sloshing of LNG (liquefied natural gas), cavitation/bubble dynamics and VIM (vortex-induced motion) and VIV (vortex-induced vibration). In addition to general description, we mainly focus on the recent advances and challenging aspects of above-mentioned topics. Inspired by the achievements in the previous 70 years, mankind starts a new round of ocean exploration activities. Then, we can find obvious trends: the realm of ocean engineering is expanding from sea surface to deep sea, from low and middle latitude to polar region and from fossil to renewable energy in near future.
Li J C, Nie B C, Lin H H trans. A few frontier issues in ocean engineering mechanics. AdvancesinMechanics, in press. doi: 10.6052/1000-0992-25-044.
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