Harnessing Structural Dynamics for a Sound Future

Chen Shen, PhD
Assistant Professor
Rowan University

Abstract
Dynamics, mechanics, and vibration are ubiquitous in engineering structures. They play a fundamental role in dictating the functionality and performance of systems across length scales. New knowledge and approaches to regulate the dynamic and mechanical behavior of structures are constantly driving innovations and transforming the landscape of multiple disciplines in mechanical engineering, aerospace engineering, civil engineering, biomedical engineering, and beyond. In this context, this talk will focus on my research group’s efforts in studying the fundamentals of structural dynamics and mechanics in three key areas: 1) wave propagation including acoustic and ultrasound waves; 2) solid structures focusing on vibration and dynamics; and 3) fluid-structure interactions, particularly in microfluidics and on-chip devices. These topics encompass the theoretical, numerical, experimental, and design aspects of different engineering structures, with applications broadly defined in structure and healthcare, such as noise and vibration control, structural health monitoring, sensing and actuation, on-chip biomedical devices, and so on. This talk will highlight the potential of harnessing structural dynamics in devising new systems and devices that unlock novel applications or improve their utility in specific scenarios. Emerging techniques including inverse design and machine learning for the design and analysis of dynamic structures will also be covered.
 

Biography
Dr. Chen Shen is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Mechanical Engineering at Rowan University. He received his B.S. degree from Nanjing University and M.S. and Ph.D. degrees from North Carolina State University, respectively. Before joining Rowan University, he was a Postdoctoral Associate at Duke University. Dr. Shen’s research centers on structural dynamics and wave propagation, with applications in engineering structures and healthcare. He has published more than 60 peer-reviewed research papers, numerous conference abstracts, and several U.S. patents. His work has appeared in leading journals, including Nature Materials, Nature Reviews Physics, Physical Review Letters, Physical Review X, Nature Communications, Science Advances, and so on. Dr. Shen is a recipient of the NSF CAREER Award, ASME Rising Star of Mechanical Engineering, PIERS Young Scientist Award, and EPL Distinguished Referee. His research at Rowan University has been supported by federal and state agencies as well as industry.