People
LIAO Wei-Hsin 廖維新
Choh-Ming Li Professor of Mechanical and Automation Engineering,
Department Chairman and Graduate Division Head
whliao@mae.cuhk.edu.hk
TEL: 852 - 3943 8341
Room 308, William M.W. Mong Engineering Building
Smart Materials and Structures Laboratory

Wei-Hsin Liao received his Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering from The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, USA. At Penn State University, he received the Inventor Incentive Award and Sigma Xi Graduate Research Award. Since August 1997, Dr. Liao has been with The Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK), where he is currently Department Chairman and Choh-Ming Li Professor of Mechanical and Automation Engineering. His research has led to publications of over 300 technical papers in international journals and conference proceedings, and 20 patents. He was the Conference Chair for the 20th International Conference on Adaptive Structures and Technologies in 2009; the Active and Passive Smart Structures and Integrated Systems, SPIE Smart Structures/NDE in 2014 and 2015. He received the T A Stewart-Dyer/F H Trevithick Prize 2005, awarded by the Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE). He is a recipient of the 2008 Best Paper Award in Structures, 2017 Best Paper Award in Mechanics and Material Systems, and 2021 Energy Harvesting Best Paper Award from the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME). He also received four best paper awards in IEEE international conferences. At CUHK, Prof. Liao was awarded the Young Researcher Award 2007, the Research Excellence Award (2010-11), and Outstanding Fellow of the Faculty of Engineering (2014-19). As the Chair of Joint Chapter of Robotics, Automation and Control Systems Society (RACS), IEEE Hong Kong Section, Dr. Liao received 2012 Chapter of the Year Award from the IEEE Robotics and Automation Society. Prof. Liao is the recipient of 2020 ASME Adaptive Structures and Material Systems Award and 2018 SPIE SSM Lifetime Achievement Award, to recognize his outstanding contributions to the advancement of smart structures and materials. He currently serves as an Associate Editor for Journal of Intelligent Material Systems and Structures, and on the Executive Editorial Board of Smart Materials and Structures. Dr. Liao is a Fellow of ASME, HKIE, and IOP.

Research Interests
  • Smart Materials and Adaptive Structures
  • Energy Harvesting and Vibration Control
  • 3D/4D Printing, Mechatronics
  • Exoskeleton and Prosthesis
Current Projects
  • Embedded Generators for Self-Powered Smart Watches and Wristbands
  • Wearable Health Monitoring and Dynamic Gait Analysis of Neurodegenerative Parkinson’s Disease
  • Intelligent System and Control of Wearable Exoskeleton for Motion Assistance
  • Self-Powered Smart Prosthetic Knee
  • 3D Printing with Shape Memory Materials for Adaptive Structures
  • Design and Modeling of Impact-Excited Bistable Energy Harvesters
Teaching by Years
MAEG5080 Smart Materials and Structures
Publications

Journal Papers (in recent years)

  • F. Gao, W. H. Liao, and X. Wu, “Being Gradually Softened Approach for Solving Large Deflection of Cantilever Beam Subjected to Distributed and Tip Loads,” Mechanism and Machine Theory, Vol. 174, 104879, 2022. DOI: 10.1016/j.mechmachtheory.2022.104879
  • K. Chen, S. Fang, Q. Gao, D. Zou, J. Cao, and W. H. Liao, “An Enhanced Nonlinear Piezoelectric Energy Harvester with Multiple Rotating Square Unit Cells,” Mechanical Systems and Signal Processing, Vol. 173, 109065, 2022. DOI: 10.1016/j.ymssp.2022.109065
  • J. Xing, S. Fang, X. Fu, and W. H. Liao, “A Rotational Hybrid Energy Harvester Utilizing Bistability for Low-Frequency Applications: Modelling and Experimental Validation,” International Journal of Mechanical Sciences, Vol. 222, 107235, 2022. DOI: 10.1016/j.ijmecsci.2022.107235
  • Q. Gao, Z. Ding, and W. H. Liao, “Effective Elastic Properties of Irregular Auxetic Structures,” Composite Structures, Vol. 287, 115269, 2022. DOI: 10.1016/j.compstruct.2022.115269
  • G. Liu, F. Gao, D. Wang, and W. H. Liao, “Medical Applications of Magnetorheological Fluid: A Systematic Review,” Smart Materials and Structures, Vol. 31, No. 4, 043002 (23pp), 2022. DOI: 10.1088/1361-665X/ac54e7
  • K. Chen, S. Fang, Q. Gao, D. Zou, J. Cao, and W. H. Liao, “Enhancing Power Output of Piezoelectric Energy Harvesting by Gradient Auxetic Structures,” Applied Physics Letters, Vol. 120, 103901, 2022. DOI: 10.1063/5.0082015
  • S. Fang, S. Zhou, D. Yurchenko, T. Yang, and W. H. Liao, “Multistability Phenomenon in Signal Processing, Energy Harvesting, Composite Structures, and Metamaterials: A Review,” Mechanical Systems and Signal Processing, Vol. 166, 108419, 2022. DOI: 10.1016/j.ymssp.2021.108419
  • X. Chen, G. Fang, W. H. Liao, and C. C. L. Wang, “Field-Based Toolpath Generation for 3D Printing Continuous Fibre Reinforced Thermoplastic Composites,” Additive Manufacturing, Vol. 49, 102470, 2022. DOI: 10.1016/j.addma.2021.102470
  • M. Rezaei, R. Talebitooti, and W. H. Liao, “Investigations on Magnetic Bistable PZT-Based Absorber for Concurrent Energy Harvesting and Vibration Mitigation: Numerical and Analytical Approaches,” Energy, Vol. 239, 122376, 2022. DOI: 10.1016/j.energy.2021.122376
  • G. Liu, F. Gao, and W. H. Liao, “Shape Optimization of Magnetorheological Damper Piston Based on Parametric Curve for Damping Force Augmentation,” Smart Materials and Structures, Vol. 31, No. 1, 015027 (15pp), 2022. DOI: 10.1088/1361-665X/ac3b1d
  • F. Gao, G. Liu, X. Wu, and W. H. Liao, “Optimization Algorithm-Based Approach for Modeling Large Deflection of Cantilever Beam Subject to Tip Load,” Mechanism and Machine Theory, Vol. 167, 104522, 2022. DOI: 10.1016/j.mechmachtheory.2021.104522
  • S. Fang, J. Xing, K. Chen, X. Fu, S. Zhou, and W. H. Liao, “Hybridizing Piezoelectric and Electromagnetic Mechanisms with Dynamic Bistability for Enhancing Low-Frequency Rotational Energy Harvesting,” Applied Physics Letters, 119, 243903, 2021. DOI: 10.1063/5.0073705
  • Q. Gao, W. H. Liao, L. Wang, and C. Huang, “Crashworthiness Optimization of Cylindrical Negative Poisson’s Ratio Structures with Inner Liner Tubes,” Structural and Multidisciplinary Optimization, Vol. 64, No. 6, pp. 4271-4286, 2021. DOI: 10.1007/s00158-021-03071-2
  • S. Gao, F. Weng, O. P. Bodunde, M. Qin, W. H. Liao, and P. Guo, “Spatial Characteristics of Nickel-Titanium Shape Memory Alloy Fabricated by Continuous Directed Energy Deposition,” Journal of Manufacturing Processes, Vol. 71, pp. 417-428, 2021. DOI: 10.1016/j.jmapro.2021.09.039
  • D. Zou, G. Liu, Z. Rao, T. Tan, W. Zhang, and W. H. Liao, “Design of a Multi-Stable Piezoelectric Energy Harvester with Programmable Equilibrium Point Configurations,” Applied Energy, Vol. 302, 117585, 2021. DOI: 10.1016/j.apenergy.2021.117585
  • Z. Ding, J. Shi, Q. Gao, Q. Huang, and W. H. Liao, “Design Sensitivity Analysis for Transient Responses of Viscoelastically Damped Systems Using Model Order Reduction Techniques,” Structural and Multidisciplinary Optimization, Vol. 64, No. 3, pp. 1501-1526, 2021. DOI: 10.1007/s00158-021-02937-9
  • F. Y. Liang, F. Gao, and W. H. Liao, “Synergy-based Knee Angle Estimation Using Kinematics of Thigh,” Gait & Posture, Vol. 89, pp. 25-30, 2021. DOI: 10.1016/j.gaitpost.2021.06.015
  • K. Chen, Q. Gao, S. Fang, D. Zou, Z. Yang, and W. H. Liao, “An Auxetic Nonlinear Piezoelectric Energy Harvester for Enhancing Efficiency and Bandwidth,” Applied Energy, Vol. 298, 117274, 2021. DOI: 10.1016/j.apenergy.2021.117274 (Reported by InfoMat, 6 July 2021)
  • Hugo H. T. Chan, F. Gao, Brendon L. H. Chung, W. H. Liao, and J. Cao, “Knee Energy Harvester with Variable Transmission to Reduce the Effect on the Walking Gait,” Smart Materials and Structures, Vol. 30, No. 8, 085024 (14pp), 2021. DOI: 10.1088/1361-665X/ac0bfe
  • M. Cai and W. H. Liao, “Design, Modeling, and Experiments of Electromagnetic Energy Harvester Embedded in Smart Watch and Wristband as Power Source,” IEEE/ASME Transactions on Mechatronics, Vol. 26, No. 4, pp. 2104-2114, 2021. DOI: 10.1109/TMECH.2020.3032536
  • Q. Gao and W. H. Liao, “Energy Absorption of Thin Walled Tube Filled with Gradient Auxetic Structures – Theory and Simulation, International Journal of Mechanical Sciences, Vol. 201, 106475, 2021. DOI: 10.1016/j.ijmecsci.2021.106475
  • Z. Ding, L. Zhang, Q. Gao, and W. H. Liao, “State-Space Based Discretize-Then-Differentiate Adjoint Sensitivity Method for Transient Responses of Non-Viscously Damped Systems,” Computers & Structures, Vol. 250, 106540, 2021. DOI: 10.1016/j.compstruc.2021.106540
  • M. Cai and W. H. Liao, “Enhanced Electromagnetic Wrist-Worn Energy Harvester Using Repulsive Magnetic Spring,” Mechanical Systems and Signal Processing, Vol. 150, 107251, 2021. DOI: 10.1016/j.ymssp.2020.107251
  • D. Zou, G. Liu, Z. Rao, T. Tan, W. Zhang, and W. H. Liao, “A Device Capable of Customizing Nonlinear Forces for Vibration Energy Harvesting, Vibration Isolation, and Nonlinear Energy Sink,” Mechanical Systems and Signal Processing, Vol. 147, 107101, 2021. DOI: 10.1016/j.ymssp.2020.107101
  • M. Cai and W. H. Liao, “High-Power Density Inertial Energy Harvester without Additional Proof Mass for Wearables,” IEEE Internet of Things Journal, Vol. 8, No. 1, pp. 297-308, 2021. DOI: 10.1109/JIOT.2020.3003262
  • M. Cai, Z. Yang, J. Cao, and W. H. Liao, “Recent Advances in Human Motion Excited Energy Harvesting Systems for Wearables,” Energy Technology, 8, 2000533, 2020. DOI:10.1002/ente.202000533
  • J. Wang, R. Yang, S. Gao, F. Weng, Y. Wang, W. H. Liao, and P. Guo, “Modulated Vibration Texturing of Hierarchical Microchannels with Controllable Profiles and Orientations,” CIRP Journal of Manufacturing Science and Technology, Vol. 30, pp. 58-67, 2020. DOI: 10.1016/j.cirpj.2020.04.002
  • J. Wang, Y. Wang, Y. Yang, R. Yang, W. H. Liao, and P. Guo, “Fabrication of Structurally Colored Basso-Relievo with Modulated Elliptical Vibration Texturing,” Precision Engineering, Vol. 64, pp. 113-121, 2020. DOI: 10.1016/j.precisioneng.2020.03.021
  • F. Gao, G. Liu, F. Liang, and W. H. Liao, “IMU-Based Locomotion Mode Identification for Transtibial Prostheses, Orthoses, and Exoskeletons,” IEEE Transactions on Neural Systems & Rehabilitation Engineering, Vol. 28, No. 6, pp. 1334-1343, 2020. DOI: 10.1109/TNSRE.2020.2987155
  • M. Cai, J. Wang, and W. H. Liao, “Self-Powered Smart Watch and Wristband Enabled by Embedded Generator,” Applied Energy, Vol. 263, 114682, 2020. DOI: 10.1016/j.apenergy.2020.114682
  • S. Fang, S. Wang, S. Zhou, Z. Yang, and W. H. Liao, “Exploiting the Advantages of the Centrifugal Softening Effect in Rotational Impact Energy Harvesting,” Applied Physics Letters, 116, 063903, 2020. DOI: 10.1063/1.5140060 (Featured Article, Scilight)

Patents (US)

  • Human Motion Energy Harvesting Apparatus and Conversion Method Thereof, US Patent 11,316,405, 26 April 2022
  • Magneto-Rheological Series Elastic Actuator, US Patent 10,626,944, April 21, 2020.
  • Ankle-Foot Prosthesis Device, US Patent, 10,406,000, September 10, 2019.
  • Optical Pickup Assemblies and Drive Systems with the Same, US Patent, 8,605,558, December 10, 2013.
  • Magnetorheological Actuators, US Patent 8,193,670, June 5, 2012.
  • Piezoelectric Actuated Suspension with Passive Damping in Hard Disk Drives, US Patent 7,983,008, July 19, 2011.
  • High Speed Pick and Place Apparatus, US Patent 6,758,113, July 6, 2004.
  • Apparatus and Method for Vibration Control Using Active Constrained Layer Edge Elements, US Patent 5,838,092, Nov. 17, 1998.