Fei Liu | Processing and Manufacturing | Research Excellence Award
Mr. Fei Liu at Hefei University of Technology | China
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Dr. Sunil Kumar Prajapati 🎓 is a passionate researcher in Additive Manufacturing, Tribology, and Materials Science 🧪. With a Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering from IIT Madras 🏛️, he brings expertise in polymer-based 3D printing, sliding bearing applications, and surface characterization 🔬. Dr. Prajapati enjoys designing, drawing, and cooking in his leisure time 🎨👨🍳. Fluent in Hindi and English 🗣️, he blends theoretical knowledge with hands-on skills across mechanical design and analysis tools 🛠️. His academic journey is complemented by roles in research and teaching, contributing significantly to advanced manufacturing technologies and mechanical system simulations. 🚀
Education & Experience 🏛️ Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering (Machine Design) – IIT Madras (2019–2024) – 7.75/10
🏫 M.Tech in Mechanical Engineering (Design) – PDPM IIITDM Jabalpur (2014–2016) – 6.5/10
🏫 B.E. in Mechanical Engineering – TIT (Excellence), Bhopal | RGPV (2009–2013) – 72.9%
📘 12th (Science with Maths) – Kendriya Vidyalaya, Dhanpuri (2008–2009) – 61.4%
📘 10th (All Subjects) – JNV Amarkantak (2006–2007) – 68.4%
🔬 Junior Research Fellow – PDPM IIITDM Jabalpur (Dec 2017 – Dec 2018)
👨🏫 Assistant Professor – Saint Aloysius Institute of Technology, Jabalpur (Mar 2017 – Nov 2017)
Dr. Sunil Kumar Prajapati is an exceptionally driven and innovative researcher whose work in Additive Manufacturing, Tribology, and Mechanical Design exemplifies cutting-edge scientific inquiry with real-world applications. His ongoing doctoral research at IIT Madras, combined with a strong foundation in mechanical engineering and hands-on expertise in advanced materials and testing technologies, positions him as a leading contributor in his field. Dr. Prajapati’s commitment to academic excellence, impactful publications, and multidisciplinary research experience make him a highly deserving candidate for the Best Researcher Award, recognizing his outstanding contributions to engineering science and technology.
Professional DevelopmentDr. Prajapati has actively pursued professional development through hands-on workshops, GIAN courses, and technical training programs 🎓🔧. He attended an 8-day GIAN course on foam and lattice mechanics at IIT Hyderabad 🧩, and received nanofabrication training at IISc Bangalore 🧫. He also completed a 2-day workshop on 3D Printing at IIITDM Jabalpur 🖨️ and industrial training in transformer and gas turbine sections at BHEL Bhopal ⚙️. These engagements enriched his practical skills in MEMS fabrication, 3D printing, and materials analysis, empowering him to merge theory with technology and develop innovative mechanical systems and research methodologies. 🌟
Research Focus Dr. Prajapati’s research is rooted in the fields of Additive Manufacturing, Tribology, and Advanced Materials 🧬🖨️🛢️. His Ph.D. work centers on designing and characterizing polyether ether ketone (PEEK) surfaces for sliding bearing applications 🧪⚙️. He specializes in analyzing abrasive and adhesive wear under various conditions, especially in journal bearings. His M.Tech work included mathematical modeling of piezoelectric energy harvesting systems 📐🔋. With a focus on sustainable polymers, mechanical wear behavior, and advanced testing techniques, his interdisciplinary research bridges design, manufacturing, and materials science for real-world engineering applications. 🌍🔍
Awards & Honors 🛠️ Best performer during industrial training at BHEL Bhopal (2012)
🎓 Selected for Ph.D. program at IIT Madras – Competitive admission (2019)
🧪 Research contributor in multiple institutional projects at IIITDM Jabalpur
🏅 Conference presentations and paper publications in mechanical engineering research
Effect of the infill percentage of 3D printed Polyetheretherketone under the dry sliding condition – Journal of Manufacturing Processes, 2024, 🧱
Surface design of 3D-printed polyether ether ketone for abrasive wear resistance – Tribology Transactions, 2024, 🛡️
Modeling and numerical characterization of high sensitive microcantilever biosensors with parabolic piezoresistor – Nano, 2018, 🔬
Mechanical and surface characterisation of additively manufactured polyetheretherketone for the tribo test – Rapid Prototyping Journal, 2025, ⚙️
Effect of infill orientation on the wear behaviour of 3D printed polyetheretherketone – Journal of Materials Science, 2024, 📐
Friction Performance of Three-Dimension Printed PEEK for Journal Bearing Application Under Grease Lubrication – Journal of Tribology, 2025, 🛢️
Mathematical modelling of stepped beam energy harvesting using Euler–Bernoulli’s theory – Advanced Materials Conference Proceedings, 2018,📊
Abrasive Wear Prediction of Three-Dimensional Printed PEEK Using Artificial Neural Network – Journal of Tribology, 2025, 🤖
Yangyang Cheng is a doctoral candidate at the School of Mechanical Engineering, Yanshan University, specializing in piezoelectric ceramic materials. 🔬 His research focuses on performance analysis and preparation of piezoelectric ceramics, utilizing first-principles methods to explore their structural and electronic properties. 🏗️ He has published five academic papers 📄 and secured five invention patents. 🏅 Additionally, Cheng has contributed to major projects, including those funded by the National Natural Science Foundation of China and the State Key Laboratory of New Ceramic Materials. His work advances high-performance and stable piezoelectric devices for applications in electronic communication and piezoelectric driving. ⚙️
Doctoral Candidate (Ph.D.) in Mechanical Engineering, Yanshan University (Five-year combined Master’s and Ph.D. program) 🏫
Specializes in piezoelectric ceramics, additive manufacturing, and first-principles analysis 🔬
Published five academic papers in SCI and EI journals 📑
Secured five invention patents in mechanical design and materials science 🔖
Participated in two national research projects, including NSFC-funded studies and key laboratory initiatives 🔬
Engaged in research on high-precision microactuators using dual-flexible hinge stacked piezoelectric structures ⚙️
Dr. Yangyang Cheng , a doctoral candidate in Mechanical Engineering at Yanshan University, has demonstrated exceptional research capabilities in piezoelectric ceramics, additive manufacturing, and first-principles calculations. With an impressive portfolio of five published academic papers, five invention patents, and participation in multiple national research projects, he has made significant contributions to the field of advanced materials and precision engineering. His research has provided crucial insights into the mechanical and electronic properties of piezoelectric ceramics, making him a deserving recipient of the Best Researcher Award.
Cheng Yangyang is dedicated to advancing the field of piezoelectric ceramics and high-precision actuators. 💡 His research leverages first-principles methods to investigate stress-induced property changes in PbTiO3, contributing to the development of next-generation piezoelectric devices. 🔬 With five research papers 📄 and five patents, he has made significant strides in mechanical engineering and materials science. 🏆 His involvement in national and key laboratory-funded projects provides a platform for real-world applications of his findings. 💼 Through additive manufacturing and computational modeling, he continues to push the boundaries of ceramic materials research for industrial and technological advancements. ⚙️
Cheng Yangyang’s research primarily revolves around piezoelectric ceramics, additive manufacturing, and first-principles computational methods. 🏗️ His studies focus on the performance, structure, and electronic properties of PbTiO3, a widely used ferroelectric ceramic, under different stress conditions. 🔬 By employing density functional theory, he explores how uniaxial stress modulates the material’s physical properties, aiming to enhance its application in electronic communication and piezoelectric actuation systems. 📡 His work contributes to the development of high-performance, stable piezoelectric devices for modern engineering applications, including precision actuators and smart materials in mechanical and electrical engineering. ⚡
, Computational Materials Science, 2025.
, Chinese Journal of Lasers, 2023.
, Acta Armamentarii, 2024.
, China Mechanical Engineering, 2025.
Prof. Dr.Chunxiu Zhang is a professor and Chair of the Department of Polymer and Materials Engineering at the Beijing Institute of Graphic Communication. She earned her Ph.D. in Optical Engineering from Beijing Jiaotong University. Her research focuses on discotic liquid crystals, quasicrystal molecular design, molecular self-assembly, and optoelectronic applications. She also specializes in molecular simulation and computation. With extensive experience in advanced material synthesis and characterization, she has contributed significantly to the field of optoelectronic materials. Her work integrates theoretical and experimental approaches, driving innovation in next-generation materials for optical and electronic applications. ![]()
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Ph.D. in Optical Engineering – Beijing Jiaotong University
Professor & Chair – Department of Polymer and Materials Engineering, Beijing Institute of Graphic Communication
Prof Dr.Chunxiu Zhang, a distinguished recipient of the Best Researcher Award, has made remarkable contributions to the field of Optical Engineering and Materials Science. With a Ph.D. in Optical Engineering from Beijing Jiaotong University, she currently serves as the Chair of the Department of Polymer and Materials Engineering at Beijing Institute of Graphic Communication. Her pioneering work spans multiple cutting-edge domains, including discotic liquid crystal and quasicrystal molecular design and synthesis, molecular self-assembly, and optoelectronic applications.
Prof.Dr.Chunxiu Zhang has continuously advanced her expertise in polymer and materials engineering, contributing extensively to the field of molecular self-assembly and optoelectronics. She has led various research projects, focusing on discotic liquid crystals and quasicrystal molecular design, driving advancements in display and sensor technologies. Her dedication to interdisciplinary studies, combining chemistry, physics, and engineering, has resulted in novel material innovations. Through molecular simulations and computational modeling, she optimizes materials for high-performance applications. As a mentor, she guides aspiring researchers, fostering academic growth and innovation in advanced materials. ![]()
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Prof.Dr.Chunxiu Zhang research spans the cutting edge of optical and electronic materials, specializing in discotic liquid crystals, quasicrystal molecular design, and molecular self-assembly. Her studies aim to revolutionize display technologies, organic photovoltaics, and molecular electronics. By leveraging molecular simulations and computation, she refines the synthesis and properties of advanced materials, enhancing their optoelectronic applications. Her interdisciplinary approach bridges polymer science, nanotechnology, and materials engineering, paving the way for next-generation smart materials. Her contributions significantly impact the fields of photonic devices, flexible electronics, and self-assembling molecular architectures. ![]()
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Outstanding Researcher Award – Recognized for excellence in polymer and materials engineering
Best Paper Award – Multiple accolades in international materials science conferences
Innovation in Optoelectronics Award – Acknowledged for pioneering contributions to self-assembling molecular systems
Research Grant Recipient – Secured major funding for advancing optoelectronic applications
Keynote Speaker – Invited to prestigious global conferences in materials science and engineering



Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering (2018–2024)
B.S. in Mechanical Engineering & Engineering Management (2014–2018)
Assistant Professor
Key ResearcherDr. Gan Li, an Assistant Professor at the College of Mechanical and Electronic Engineering, China University of Petroleum, PR China, and a key member of the National Engineering Research Center of Marine Geophysical Prospecting and Exploration and Development Equipment, is an exceptional candidate for the Best Researcher Award. With a strong foundation in advanced manufacturing technologies and ultra-precision machining, Dr. Li’s innovative research has redefined the frontiers of mechanical engineering, making significant contributions to precision manufacturing, signal analysis, and process simulation.
Outstanding Senior Thesis (12/89), Jiangsu, China (2023)
Third Prize, Future Flying Machine Innovation Competition, Dalian, China (2019)
Recognition at the 22nd Chinese Conference of Abrasive Technology
Precision Engineering, 2024, Cited by: 3
Journal of Hunan University Natural Sciences, 2024
Scientia Sinica Technologica, 2024
Journal of Materials Processing Technology, 2023, Cited by: 9
Mechanical Systems and Signal Processing, 2023, Cited by: 12
Metals, 2023, Cited by: 6Marin Mihai is a highly skilled metallurgical engineer with over 8 years of experience in cross-cultural national research projects, specializing in metallurgical and energy profiles. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Material Science Engineering (2007-2011) and a Master’s degree in Management and Engineering of Metallic Materials Production (2011-2013), both from the Politehnica University of Bucharest. Additionally, he completed a scholarship at the Politehnica University of Patras, Greece, focusing on the production of geopolymers from industrial by-products.