Dr Xue Zhang BENG, MENG, PhD

Research Overview

Dr Zhang’s research is directed towards the development of advanced numerical methodologies and their application to challenging multi-phase and multi-physics problems in geomechanics. His current research falls in revealing and understanding mechanisms behind instabilities of geostructures under critical conditions with reference to geotechnical engineering. Typical numerical methods developed and used are Optimization-Based Finite Element Method (OBFEM), Particle Finite Element Method (PFEM) for large deformation analysis, Discrete Element Method (DEM) for analysing granular materials, Phase-Field Method (PFM) for fracture analysis, Coupled FEM-DEM for multiscale analysis, Monte Carlo Method for risk analysis, and Density-based Topology Optimisation Method. He is now focusing on the following research themes:
(1) Onshore/Offshore foundation-structure interaction
(2) Onshore/Offshore granular flow and landslides
(3) Machine learning based geotechnical modelling
(4) Optimal design of foundations