Hongyi Xiao

Dr. Hongyi Xiao is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Mechanical Engineering at the University of Michigan, College of Engineering. His research focuses on the mechanics and physics of disordered granular media, exploring their solid-liquid-gas-like behaviors through experiments, simulations, and machine-learning methods.

Education:

• Ph.D., Mechanical Engineering, Northwestern University (2018)
• B.E., Thermal Engineering, Tsinghua University (2014)

Research interests center on granular materials deformation from a structure-property perspective, with applications in designing particle interactions for novel collective behaviors and understanding animal/robot interactions with granular matter as a soft medium. The group employs 2D/3D experiments, discrete particle simulations, and machine-learning-informed modeling.

Current research trends include multi-scale computational analysis of granular systems, statistical physics of disordered media, and fluid mechanics applications in industrial processing efficiency improvements. The work addresses challenges in material characterization, design, and interaction with yielding substrates.