X. Shelly Zhang

Research Interests

• Design optimize, simulate, and fabrication of multifunctional, resilient, and intelligent engineering structures and materials
• Soft active materials with programmable behaviors
• Tough and damage-resilient materials and structures
• Topology optimization informed civil structures innovations
• Multi-scale lattice design for resilient and lightweight metamaterials and structures
• Bridging topology optimization and additive manufacturing
• Robust design optimization under uncertainty through stochastic programming
• Theoretical and algorithmic development of topology optimization to handle multi-objective and multi-constraints

Research Statement

Topology optimization is a technique for generating optimal shapes of structures. My research focuses on exploring multi-physics topology optimization, stochastic and data-driven algorithms, and advanced manufacturing to create multi-functional, sustainable, resilient, and optimal civil structures, robots, and soft active materials for applications at different scales, from as large as high-rise buildings to as small as material microstructures.

Primary Research Area

• Structural Engineering

Research Areas

• Societal Risk & Hazard Mitigation
• Structural Engineering
• Sustainable and Resilient Infrastructure Systems

Selected Articles in Journals

• Y. Jia, Ke Liu, X. S. Zhang*. "Topology optimization of irregular multiscale structures with tunable responses using a virtual growth rule". Computer Methods in Applied Mechanics and Engineering. Vol. 425, pp. 116864. 2024.
• W. Li, Y. Wang, T. Chen*, X. S. Zhang*. "Algorithmic encoding of adaptive responses in temperature-sensing multi-material architectures". Science Advances. Vol. 9, No. 47, pp. eadk0620. 2023.
• W. Li , X. S. Zhang*. "Arbitrary curvature programming of thermo-active liquid crystal elastomer via computational morphogenesis". Computer Methods in Applied Mechanics and Engineering. Vol. 417, pp. 116393. 2023.
• R. D. Kundu and X. S. Zhang*. "Additive manufacturing of stiff and strong structures by leveraging printing-induced strength anisotropy in topology optimization". Additive Manufacturing. Vol. 75, pp. 103730. 2023.
• Z. Zhao, C. Wang, X. S. Zhang*. “Tuning buckling behaviors in magnetically active structures: topology optimization and experimental validation”. Journal of Applied Mechanics. Vol. 90, No. 9, pp. 091006. 2023.
• C. Wang, Z. Zhao, X. S. Zhang*. “Inverse Design of Magneto-active Metasurfaces and Robots: Theory, Computation, and Experimental Validation”. Computer Methods in Applied Mechanics and Engineering. Vol. 413, pp. 116065. 2023.
• R. D. Kundu and X. S. Zhang*. "Stress-based topology optimization for fiber composites with improved stiffness and strength: integrating anisotropic and isotropic materials". Composite Structures. Vol. 320, pp. 117041. 2023.
• Z. Zhao and X. S. Zhang*. "Encoding reprogrammable properties into magneto-mechanical materials via topology optimization." Nature: npj Computational Materials. Vol. 9, No. 57. 2023.
• R. Bhatta, J. Han, Y. Liu, Y. Bo, D. Lee, J. Zhou, Y. Wang, E. R. Nelson, Q. Chen, X. S. Zhang, W. Hassaneen, H. Wang*. "Metabolic tagging of extracellular vesicles and development of enhanced extracellular vesicle based cancer vaccines". Nature Communications. Vol. 14, pp. 1, pp. 8047. 2023.
• W. Li, Y. Jia, F. Wang, O. Sigmund, X. S. Zhang*. "Programming and physical realization of extreme three-dimensional responses of metastructures under large deformations". International Journal of Engineering Science. Vol. 191, pp. 103881. 2023.
• Y. Jia, O. Lopez-Pamies, and X. S. Zhang*. "Multi-objective Topology Optimization for Improved Fracture Properties: Harnessing Fracture Nucleation and Propagation in Heterogeneous Geometries." Journal of the Mechanics and Physics of Solids. Vol. 173, pp. 105227. 2023.
• W. Li, F. Wang, O. Sigmund, X. S. Zhang*. "Digital synthesis of free-form multimaterial structures for realization of arbitrary programmed mechanical responses". Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America (PNAS). Vol. 119, No. 10, pp. e2120563119, 2022.
• R. Kundu, W. Li, and X. S. Zhang*. "Multimaterial stress-constrained topology optimization with multiple distinct yield criteria." Extreme Mechanics Letters. Vol. 54, pp. 101716, 2022.
• Z. Zhao and X. S. Zhang*. "Topology optimization of hard-magnetic soft materials." Journal of the Mechanics and Physics of Solids. Vol. 158, pp. 104628, 2022
• Z. Zhi and X. S. Zhang*, "Additive manufacturing of topology optimized graded porous structures: An experimental study." The Journal of The Minerals, Metals & Materials Society (JOM), SI: Leveraging Materials in Topology Optimization. Vol. 73, pp. 2022–2030, 2021.
• Z. Zhao, X. S. Zhang*. “Design of graded porous bone-like structures via a multi-material topology optimization approach.” Structural and Multidisciplinary Optimization. Vol. 64, pp. 677–698, 2021.
• W. Li, F. Wang, O. Sigmund, X. S. Zhang*. “Design of composite structures with programmable elastic responses under finite deformations”. Journal of the Mechanics and Physics of Solids. Vol. 151, pp. 104356, 2021.
• W. Li, X. S. Zhang*. “Momentum-based accelerated Mirror Descent Stochastic Approximation for Robust Topology Optimization under Stochastic Loads”. International Journal for Numerical Methods in Engineering. Vol. 122, No. 17, pp. 4431-4457, 2021.
• X. S. Zhang*, W. Li, Y. Ouyang. “Paved guideway topology optimization for pedestrian traffic under Nash equilibrium”. Structural and Multidisciplinary Optimization. Vol. 63, pp. 1405–1426. 2021.
• X. S. Zhang*, H. Chi., Z. Zhao. “Topology optimization of fiber-reinforced hyperelastic structures under large deformations”. Computer Methods in Applied Mechanics and Engineering. Vol. 378, pp. 113496, 2021.
• C. Wang, Z. Zhao, M. Zhou, O. Sigmund, X.S. Zhang*. "A comprehensive review of educational articles on structural and multidisciplinary optimization." Structural and Multidisciplinary Optimization. Vol. 64, pp. 2827–2880, 2021.
• X. S. Zhang*, E. de Sturler, and A. Shapiro. "Topology optimization with many right-hand sides using mirror descent stochastic approximation -- reduction from many to a single sample. " Journal of Applied Mechanics. Vol. 87, No. 5, pp. 051005, 2020.
• X. S. Zhang*, H. Chi. "Efficient multi-material continuum topology optimization considering hyperelasticity: achieving local feature control through regional constraints. " Mechanics Research Communications. Vol. 105, pp. 103494, 2020.
• X. S. Zhang, H. Chi, G. H. Paulino. "Adaptive multi-material topology optimization with hyperelastic materials under large deformations: A virtual element approach. Computer Methods in Applied Mechanics and Engineering. Vol. 130, pp. 112976, 2020.
• X. S. Zhang, G. H. Paulino, A. Ramos Jr. “Multi-Material Topology Optimization with Multiple Volume Constraints: A General Approach Applied to Ground Structures with Material Nonlinearity.” Journal of Structural and Multidisciplinary Optimization. Vol. 57, pp. 161-182, 2018.
• X. S. Zhang, G. H. Paulino, A. Ramos Jr. “Multi-material Topology Optimization with Multiple Volume Constraints: Combining the ZPR Update with a Ground-structure Algorithm to Select a Single Material Per Overlapping Set.” International Journal for Numerical Methods in Engineering. Vol. 114, pp. 1053–1073, 2018.
• X. S. Zhang, E. de Sturler, G. H. Paulino. “Stochastic Sampling for Deterministic Structural Topology Optimization with Many Load Cases: Density-Based and Ground Structure Approaches.” Computer Methods in Applied Mechanics and Engineering. Vol. 325, pp. 463-487, 2017.
• X. S. Zhang, A. Ramos Jr., G. H. Paulino. “Material Nonlinear Topology Optimization Using the Ground Structure Method with a Discrete Filter Scheme.” Journal of Structural and Multidisciplinary Optimization. Vol. 55, No. 6, pp. 2045–2072. 2017. (Most Downloaded Journal Article of Springer in Mechanics 2017.)
• X. S. Zhang, S. Maheshwari, A. Ramos Jr., G. H. Paulino. “Closure to “Macroelement and Macropatch Approaches to Structural Topology Optimization Using the Ground Structure Method.” ASCE Journal of Structural Engineering. Vol. 144, No. 10, pp. 07018009-1 to 4. 2018.
• X. S. Zhang, S. Maheshwari, A. Ramos Jr., G. H. Paulino. “Macroelement and Macropatch Approaches for Topology Optimization of Trusses Using a Ground Structure Method.” ASCE Journal of Structural Engineering. Vol. 142, No. 11, pp. 04016090-1-14. 2016.

Invited Lectures

• ASME CONCAM distinguished lecture on computational mechanics: Programmable soft metastructures via multi-material topology optimization
• Invited keynote lecture: Topology optimization of hyperelastic structures with anisotropic fiber reinforcement under large deformations
• Invited wecture: Adaptive multi-material topology optimization with hyperelastic materials under large deformations: A virtual element approach
• Invited panel: An Introduction to Systems Engineering and What it Means to Structural Engineers
• Invited lecture: Leveraging Materials in Topology Optimization -Design of Composite Materials with Multi-material Topology Optimization with many constraints
• Invited keynote: "Adaptive multi-material topology optimization with many constraints: A novel approach with material and geometric nonlinearities."
• Multi-material, multi-constraint, and multi-objective topology optimization: from structural to multidisciplinary engineering
• Topology Optimization with Multiple Materials, Multiple Constraints, and Multiple Load Cases
• Topology Optimization with Multiple Materials, Multiple Constraints, and Multiple Load Cases
• Achieving Structural Innovation and Resilience through Topology Optimization with Many Objectives, Many Constraints, and Many Materials
• Topology Optimization with Multiple Materials, Multiple Constraints, and Multiple Load Cases
• Topology Optimization with Multiple Materials, Multiple Constraints, and Multiple Load Cases
• Topology Optimization with Multiple Materials, Multiple Constraints, and Multiple Load Cases
• Topology Optimization with Multiple Materials, Multiple Constraints, and Multiple Load Cases
• A Primer on Michell's Optimality Conditions
• Topology Optimization with Multiple Materials, Multiple Constraints, and Multiple Load Cases

Teaching Honors

• UIUC Center for Teaching Excellence List of Teachers Ranked as Excellent (Fall 2023)
• UIUC Center for Teaching Excellence List of Teachers Ranked as Excellent (Spring 2023)
• UIUC Center for Teaching Excellence List of Teachers Ranked as Excellent (Spring 2022)
• UIUC Center for Teaching Excellence List of Teachers Ranked as Excellent (Fall 2021)
• UIUC Center for Teaching Excellence List of Teachers Ranked as Excellent (Spring 2021)
• UIUC Center for Teaching Excellence List of Teachers Ranked as Excellent (Summer 2020)
• UIUC Center for Teaching Excellence List of Teachers Ranked as Excellent (Spring 2020)
• ASCE Excellence in Civil Engineering Education (ExCEEd) Fellowship (2019)

Research Honors

• EMI Leonardo da Vinci Award, ASCE (American Society of Civil Engineers) (2024 )
• Dean's Award for Excellence in Research (2023-2024)
• David C. Crawford Faculty Scholar (2023 )
• Air Force Office of Scientific Research (AFOSR) Young Investigator Award Research Program (YIP) Award (2023 )
• Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) Young Faculty Award (YFA) (2022 )
• Journal of Applied Mechanics Award, ASME (American Society of Mechanical Engineers) (2022 )
• Faculty Scholar, Office of Risk Management & Insurance Research (ORMIR) (2022)
• National Science Foundation (NSF) CAREER Award (2021 )
• Fellow, National Science Foundation (NSF) CMMI's Game Changer Academies (2021)
• Elected to be an Honor Member, Chi Epsilon - National Civil Engineering Honor Society (2021)
• National Center for Supercomputing Applications (NCSA) Faculty Fellowship (2019)
• Institution-wide Best Ph.D. Thesis of entire Georgia Tech, Sigma Xi Honor Society, Georgia Tech Chapter (2019)
• Department-wide Best Ph.D. Thesis, Civil and Environmental Engineering, Georgia Tech (2018)
• Third Place in Siemens FutureMakers Challenge, Siemens Corporation (2018)
• The Most Downloaded Journal Article in Springer (2017)