Jenn-Ming Yang

Jenn-Ming Yang is a Distinguished Professor in the Department of Materials Science and Engineering at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), holding the Collins Aerospace Term Chair for Excellence. His work focuses on advanced composite materials for aerospace and transportation applications, with significant contributions to high-temperature material systems.

Professor Yang's research centers on fundamental problems in processing, microstructure development, and mechanical behavior of high-temperature composites. His investigations target critical applications in aerospace structural systems and ground transportation, with emphasis on material durability, failure mechanisms, and performance under extreme conditions. This work bridges materials science, mechanical engineering, and aerospace engineering through experimental and analytical approaches.

His recent publications (2007-2008) reveal a concentrated focus on composite material systems, including titanium-based laminates, carbon nanotube reinforcements, ultra-incompressible transition metal diborides, and ceramic composites. Key research themes involve mechanical property characterization, failure analysis, and microstructure-property relationships, with direct applications to aircraft structures, propulsion systems, and energy storage technologies.

Professor Yang's scientific achievements have been recognized through numerous prestigious awards:

• Scholars Award from National Engineering Research Center for Composite Manufacturing Science & Engineering (1987)
• Faculty Career Development Award (1989)
• Presidential Young Investigator Award from the National Science Foundation (1990-1995)
• Alcoa Foundation Award (1992)
• Ford Foundation Award (1993)
• Best Paper Award from the Japan Society of Mechanical Engineers (2007)

His research program addresses critical challenges in advanced material systems for next-generation aerospace and transportation applications, with ongoing investigations into novel composite architectures and high-temperature material solutions.