Wenfeng Liu is a PhD student in the group of Corentin Coulais, specializing in the research of metamaterials, lab-designed materials with very special properties. Recently, Liu was one of the researchers in the team that developed a metamaterial that could be used as a stiff yet lightweight shock absorber.

Sequential deformations in pressurized shells

In his project “Sequential deformations in pressurized shells”, Liu will continue his work on metamaterials and, in particular, will study the process of sequential deformation that also played an important role in the shock absorber project. His programme will study pressurized shell structures, that are stiff and lightweight but susceptible to catastrophic collapse due to mechanical instability. By integrating the concept of sequential deformation, Liu aims to develop novel shell designs that undergo controlled, stepwise deformation. This approach offers a promising solution to address both structural stability and functional adaptability, with applications in shock absorption in pressurized shell structures, such as submersibles and rockets. It could also potentially be used as a functionality for locomotion in pressurized soft robotics.

Rubicon

The Rubicon grant provides young researchers with the opportunity to conduct their research at a foreign institute that provides the best environment for their work. With the grant, Liu will finance a two-year postdoctoral position at Harvard University. In the present round, NWO awarded the Rubicon grant to 13 researchers, for a total grant amount of 3.1 million euros.