Xiang Zhang

Xiang Zhang serves as Associate Professor in the Department of Mechanical Engineering at the University of Wyoming, where he has held a faculty position since 2019. He directs the Computations for Advanced Materials and Manufacturing Laboratory (CAMML), focusing on establishing microstructure-processing-performance relationships through advanced computational models. His work bridges material microscale phenomena with structural-scale applications in high-performance materials and manufacturing processes.

His educational foundation includes:

• Ph.D. in Civil Engineering from Vanderbilt University (2017)
• M.S. in Solid Mechanics from Beihang University (2012)
• B.S. in Engineering Mechanics from Northeastern University (2009)

Dr. Zhang's research centers on multiscale and multiphysics computational modeling, with emphasis on deformation and damage mechanisms in metals and composites. His group develops crystal plasticity finite element models, interface-enriched generalized finite element methods (IGFEM), and reduced-order homogenization techniques. Current projects target frontal polymerization for composite 3D printing, metal additive manufacturing, and microstructure-informed material design. This work integrates computational modeling with experimental validation to solve challenges in structural integrity and manufacturing efficiency.

Recent publications (2019-2023) reveal strong thematic continuity in multiscale modeling of composite manufacturing processes, particularly frontal polymerization applications in 3D printing. His work consistently connects microscale material behavior (e.g., crystal plasticity, interface damage) with structural performance through reduced-order modeling frameworks. Key journals include Computer Methods in Applied Mechanics and Engineering, Composite Science and Technology, and Additive Manufacturing, demonstrating cross-disciplinary impact in computational mechanics and materials engineering.

His honors include:

• NSF CAREER Award (2023) for multiscale modeling of hybrid composites
• Dolling & Scott Faculty Research Award (2022)
• Multiple national conference awards including Melosh Medal Finalist (2017)
• Student paper competitions at Engineering Mechanics Institute (2016)

Dr. Zhang actively mentors graduate researchers through CAMML, currently advising three PhD students and one MS student, with eight alumni completing degrees under his supervision. His NSF CAREER grant enables integrated research, education, and workforce development partnerships with Idaho National Laboratory, industry collaborators, and university centers including the School of Computing and Advanced Research Computing Center. The lab maintains strong industry connections for technology transfer in advanced manufacturing.

The CAMML laboratory operates within the University of Wyoming's R1 research infrastructure, maintaining collaborations with Vanderbilt University, University of Illinois, and national laboratories. Current projects involve metal 3D printing, frontal polymerization composites, and reduced-order modeling frameworks, supported by state-of-the-art computational resources. The team actively recruits graduate students for positions requiring expertise in computational mechanics, materials science, and programming.