On the morning of January 26, 2024, Professor Wang Fengchao from the University of Science and Technology of China (USTC) visited DGUT at the invitation of the university and delivered a compelling academic report titled "Microscale Mechanics of Solid-Liquid Interface Wetting and Confined Mass Transfer" at the Interdisciplinary Science Research Center. The exchange session was chaired by Associate Professor Liu Zhao of the School of Materials Science and Engineering and was conducted in a hybrid format combining online and in-person participation, drawing active involvement from dozens of faculty members and students from the School of Materials Science and Engineering and other relevant units.
During the session, Professor Wang first emphasized the importance of mechanical issues such as solid-liquid interface wetting and flow, and pointed out the limitations of the continuum mechanics assumption at the microscale. He then provided a detailed introduction to his specific research work, which included: revising the classical Kelvin equation to establish a new theory of nanoscale confined capillary condensation; developing a theoretical model describing the capillary force equilibrium at the droplet contact line and providing a mechanical interpretation of the Young equation; and proposing a generalized Knudsen formula applicable to different wall boundary conditions, which reasonably describes experimental results of gas transport in nanochannels. In addition, he actively explored the application of these theoretical research findings in shale oil and gas development, contributing to the national energy security strategy. Following the report, Professor Wang engaged in lively discussions with the participants, providing detailed answers to the questions raised about the content of his report, thereby enabling the attending faculty and students to gain a deeper understanding and appreciation of the topics presented.
The report was rich in content and presented in an accessible manner, not only broadening the horizons of the faculty and students but also inspiring their passion for and pursuit of scientific research. The event was a resounding success, injecting new vitality and momentum into the academic exchange activities of the school.
Biography:
Wang Fengchao is a professor in the Department of Modern Mechanics at the University of Science and Technology of China. He received his bachelor's degree from USTC in 2007 and his doctoral degree from the Institute of Mechanics, Chinese Academy of Sciences in 2012. From 2016 to 2019, he conducted academic visits at the National Graphene Institute of the University of Manchester in the UK, working with the research group of Professor Andre Geim, Nobel laureate in Physics. His main research interests lie in the microscale mechanics of solid-liquid interface wetting and confined mass transfer. His research findings have been published in journals such as Nature, Science, Nature Materials, Physical Review Letters, Nature Communications, and Physics of Fluids. He currently serves as Associate Editor of Capillarity, Editorial Board Member of Scientific Reports, Editorial Board Member of the Chinese Journal of Computational Mechanics, and Invited Youth Editorial Board Member of the Chinese Journal of Solid Mechanics. He has been selected for the Young Elite Scientists Sponsorship Program by the China Association for Science and Technology, is a member of the Youth Innovation Promotion Association of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, and received funding from the National Natural Science Foundation's Excellent Young Scientists Fund in 2019.
Draft: Huo Da / First Review: Liu Zhao / Second Review: Li Runxia / Third Review: Wang Biao
