Staff Profile
Dr Xinwei Li
Assistant Professor
- Email: xinwei.li@ncl.ac.uk
- Telephone: +65 6908 6072
- Address: 172A Ang Mo Kio Avenue 8
#05-01 SIT at NYP
Singapore 567739
Dr. Xinwei Li is currently an Assistant Professor in the Faculty of Science, Agriculture, and Engineering, at Newcastle University, in the Singapore campus. Before joining Newcastle University, he worked as a Research Fellow at the National University of Singapore (NUS), where he also completed his Ph.D. studies. His doctoral research centered around the topic of "Additively Manufactured Lightweight Steel Structures." Dr. Li's research interests revolve around materials physics, finite element analysis, and additive manufacturing. Presently, his research interest lies primarily in the design, modeling, mechanism studies, and 3D printing of functional lattice structures for mechanical and acoustics applications. On these subject areas, he has published > 55 peer-reviewed articles, mostly as the 1st and/or corresponding author, including in top materials science journals such as Advanced Materials, Advanced Functional Materials, Advanced Science, Materials Horizons, Small, etc, with > 2000 citations and an h-index > 28. He is also currently an Assistant Managing Editor in Materials & Design (2024 IF = 7.6).
Academic Qualifications
- 2016 - 2020: Ph.D., Materials Science & Engineering, National Universal of Singapore
- 2012 - 2016: Bachelor of Engineering (Honors, Distinction), Materials Science & Engineering, National Universal of Singapore
Professional Commitments
- Assistant Managing Editor, Materials & Design (ISSN: 1873-4197, IF = 8.4)
- Guest Editor for the Special Issue "Transformative Additive Manufacturing: Enhancing Production Across Industries" in Frontiers in Chemistry (IF = 3.8), 2024
- Guest Editor for the Special Issue "New Insights into Additive Manufacturing for Materials and Structures" in Materials (ISSN 1996-1944, IF = 3.4), 2024
- Guest Editor for the Special Issue “Advances in 3D-Printed Metamaterials” in Materials (ISSN 1996-1944, IF = 3.4), 2023
- Guest Editor for the Special Issue “3D Printed Functional Lattice Structures” in Materials (ISSN 1996-1944, IF = 3.4), 2022
- Peer reviewer for the following scientific journals: Advanced Composites and Hybrid Materials (IF=20.1), Advanced Fiber Materials (IF=16.1), Additive Manufacturing, Scientific Data, Composites Science & Technology, Composites Part B: Engineering, Virtual and Physical Prototyping, Materials & Design, International Journal of Mechanical Sciences, Thin-Walled Structures, Engineering Structures, Scientific Reports, Journal of the Acoustical Society of America, etc.
Conferences and Presentations
- Symposia Chair: Symposia 83, 31st International Conference on Computational & Experimental Engineering and Sciences (ICCES), 2025
- Invited Speaker to an MNC on "3D printed lattice structures"
- Invited Speaker: 30th International Conference on Computational & Experimental Engineering and Sciences (ICCES), 2024
- Invited Speaker: Chinese Materials Conference 2024 & The 2nd World Materials Conference (CMC), 2024
- Speaker: International Conference on Materials for Advanced Technologies (ICMAT), 2023
- Speaker: 28th International Congress on Sound and Vibration (ICSV), 2022
- Poster: International Conference on Materials for Advanced Technologies (ICMAT), 2017
Achievements
- Stanford/Elsevier Top 2% Scientist for 2024
- Awarded the Singapore Ministry of Education RSB Postdoctoral Fellowship (2020-2023)
- Awarded NUS Research Scholarship for Ph.D. studies (2016-2020)
- Dean’s List, AY13/14 Semester 2 and AY14/15 Semester 2
With the advent of additive manufacturing (3D printing), lattice structures have emerged as an innovative category of advanced materials. Lattice structures are three-dimensional arrangements comprised of interconnected struts, shells, plates, or a combination thereof, forming a repeating pattern. These structures provide extensive design flexibility, allowing for tailored feature-pore morphology and interconnectivity, thus enabling precise customization of physical properties. My research interests lie with the design, modelling, materials physics, and 3D printing of functional lattice structures for various applications, including but not limited to, lightweight materials, energy absorption, and acoustics.
Theme 1: Lattice structures for sound absorption
The mitigation of noise, accomplished by means of absorption, holds utmost significance for the welfare of both individuals and mechanical systems. It is only recently that the acoustic properties of lattice structures are gaining popularity. I have devoted numerous efforts to the materials physics and performance studies of lattice structures for sound absorption. Utilizing fundamental structures, I have developed high-fidelity analytical models that can accurately predict the absorption coefficient curves of various lattice structures. Furthermore, I have applied these models to the design and structural optimization of heterogeneously architectured lattice structures, which exhibit a broader effective absorption bandwidth.
Representative publications in this theme are as follows:
- X. Li, X. Yu, W. Zhai*, Additively Manufactured Deformation‐Recoverable and Broadband Sound‐Absorbing Microlattice Inspired by the Concept of Traditional Perforated Panels, Advanced Materials 33(44) (2021) 2104552.
- X. Li*, J. W. Chua, X. Yu, Z. Li, M. Zhao, Z. Wang, W. Zhai*, 3D‐Printed Lattice Structures for Sound Absorption: Current Progress, Mechanisms and Models, Structural‐Property Relationships, and Future Outlook, Advanced Science (2023) 2305232.
- X. Li*, S. Ding, X. Wang, W. Zhai*, Recipe for Simultaneously Achieving Customizable Sound Absorption and Mechanical Properties in Lattice Structures, Advanced Materials Technologies (2024) 2400517
- X. Li, X. Yu, M. Zhao, Z. Li, Z. Wang, W. Zhai*, Multi‐Level Bioinspired Microlattice with Broadband Sound‐Absorption Capabilities and Deformation‐Tolerant Compressive Response, Advanced Functional Materials 33(2) (2023) 2210160. (Featured as Inside Cover)
- X. Li, X. Yu, J.W. Chua, H.P. Lee, J. Ding, W. Zhai*, Microlattice Metamaterials with Simultaneous Superior Acoustic and Mechanical Energy Absorption, Small (2021) 2100336.
- X. Li, X. Yu, W. Zhai*, Less Is More: Hollow‐Truss Microlattice Metamaterials with Dual Sound Dissipation Mechanisms and Enhanced Broadband Sound Absorption, Small (2022) 2204145.
- X. Li, X. Yu, J.W. Chua, W. Zhai*, Harnessing cavity dissipation for enhanced sound absorption in Helmholtz resonance metamaterial, Materials Horizons (2023).
- Z. Li, X. Li, Z. Wang*, W. Zhai*, Multifunctional sound-absorbing and mechanical metamaterials via a decoupled mechanism design approach, Materials Horizons 10 (2023) 75-87.
Theme 2: Lattice structures as lightweight materials and energy absorbers
There is a significant demand for lattice structures that possess both exceptional strength and specific energy absorption, making them extremely valuable for a wide range of engineering applications. My research interests lie with exploring novel approaches in design and materials, as well as their synergistic combinations, to achieve these desirable properties. Thus far, I have worked on developing innovative design methods, including drawing inspiration from natural structures, employing finite element analysis (FEA) optimization techniques, optimizing elastic isotropy, and exploring novel 3D printable materials such as reinforced composite feedstock materials and newly processed printable ductile metals.
Representative publications in this theme are as follows:
- X. Wang, X. Li*, Z. Li, Z. Wang, W. Zhai, Superior Strength, Toughness, and Damage‐Tolerance Observed in Microlattices of Aperiodic Unit Cells, Small (2024) 2307369
- X. Li, P. Wang*, M. Zhao, X. Su, Y. H. Tan, J. Ding*, Additive Manufacturing 2024 104248
- S.L.A. Tan, M. Zhao, Z. Li, Z. Wang, X. Li*, W. Zhai, Horsetail-inspired lattice structures for bone scaffold applications, International Journal of Bioprinting (2024) 2326.
- X. Li, M. Zhao, X. Yu, J.W. Chua, Y. Yang, K.M. Lim, W. Zhai, Multifunctional and customizable lattice structures for simultaneous sound insulation and structural applications, Materials & Design (2023) 112354
- M. Zhao, X. Li, D.Z. Zhang, W. Zhai*, Geometry effect on mechanical properties and elastic isotropy optimization of bamboo-inspired lattice structures, Additive Manufacturing (2023) 103438.
Theme 3: 3D printed tough composites
Materials are bounded by the tradeoff between strength and toughness under compression deformation. Till this end, I have worked on polymer-infilled lattice structures, otherwise known as interpenetrating phase composites, which display the potential to overcome this. Apart from this, I have also worked on composites developed directly through multimaterial 3D printing.
Representative publications in this theme are as follows:
- X. Wang, Z. Li*, J. Deng, T. Gao, K. Zeng, X. Guo, X. Li*, W. Zhai*, Z. Wang*, Advanced Functional Materials 2024, 2406890
- X. Li, Y.H. Tan, P. Wang*, X. Su, H.J. Willy, T.S. Herng, J. Ding*, Metallic microlattice and epoxy interpenetrating phase composites: Experimental and simulation studies on superior mechanical properties and their mechanisms, Composites Part A: Applied Science and Manufacturing (2020) 105934.
- X. Li, M. Kim, W. Zhai*, Ceramic microlattice and epoxy interpenetrating phase composites with simultaneous high specific strength and specific energy absorption, Materials & Design (2022) 111206.
Theme 4: Novel 3D printing technologies
I am interested in developing novel 3D printing technologies. Till date, I have worked on and modified a digital light processing (DLP) 3D printer equipped with ultrasonic field direct-self assembly capabilities. Using this modified DLP technique, I have come up with a new type of discontinuous particle composite, where the composite displays a similar strength, but elongated plateau stress, as compared to its pure bulk matrix material. Representative publications in this theme are as follows:
- X. Li, K.M. Lim*, W. Zhai*, A novel class of bioinspired composite via ultrasound-assisted directed self-assembly digital light 3D printing, Applied Materials Today 26 (2022) 101388.
Book Chapter
X. Li, W. Zhai, Additive Manufacturing of Lattice Structures, in: Y. Yu, S. Zhang (Eds.), Materials in Advanced Manufacturing, CRC Press, Florida, 2022.
Full list of articles: Google Scholar
Do feel free to reach out to me for discussions or collaborations.
Mechanical Design and Manufacturing Engineering (NU-SIT Joint Degree Program)
- MME1271 Fundamentals of Thermofluids
- MME1262 Materials for Sustainable Design and Manufacturing
- MME2211 Engineering Systems Modelling and Simulation
- MME2261 Advanced Materials and Manufacturing Technologies
- MME2271 Applications of Thermofluids
- MME3001 Integrated Work Study Programme
- MME3191 Capstone Project
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Articles
- Wang X, Li Z, Deng J, Gao T, Zeng K, Guo X, Li X, Zhai W, Wang Z. Unprecedented Strength Enhancement Observed in Interpenetrating Phase Composites of Aperiodic Lattice Metamaterials. Advanced Functional Materials 2024, epub ahead of print.
- Wang X, Li X, Li Z, Wang Z, Zhai W. Superior Strength, Toughness, and Damage-Tolerance Observed in Microlattices of Aperiodic Unit Cells. Small 2024, epub ahead of print.
- Wang X, Li Z, Guo X, Li X, Wang Z. Superior damage tolerance observed in interpenetrating phase composites composed of aperiodic lattice structures. Extreme Mechanics Letters 2024, 72, 102227.
- Li X, Ding S, Wang X, Tan SLA, Zhai W. Recipe for Simultaneously Achieving Customizable Sound Absorption and Mechanical Properties in Lattice Structures. Advanced Materials Technologies 2024, epub ahead of print.
- Hu Z, Ding J, Ding S, Ma WWS, Chua JW, Li X, Zhai W, Song X. Machine learning–enabled inverse design of shell-based lattice metamaterials with optimal sound and energy absorption. Virtual and Physical Prototyping 2024, 19(1), e2412198.
- Ding J, Ma Q, Li X, Zhang L, Yang H, Qu S, Wang MY, Zhai W, Gao H, Song X. Imperfection-Enabled Strengthening of Ultra-Lightweight Lattice Materials. Advanced Science 2024, 11(41), 2402727.
- Tan SLA, Zhao M, Li Z, Wang Z, Li X, Zhai W. Horsetail-inspired lattice structures for bone scaffold applications. International Journal of Bioprinting 2024, 10(4), 187-203.
- Li X, Wang P, Zhao M, Su X, Tan YH, Ding J. Customizable anisotropic microlattices for additive manufacturing: Machine learning accelerated design, mechanical properties and structural-property relationships. Additive Manufacturing 2024, 89, 104248.
- Wang X, Li X, Li Z, Wang Z, Zhai W. A ribbed strategy disrupts conventional metamaterial deformation mechanisms for superior energy absorption. Virtual and Physical Prototyping 2024, 19(1), e2337310.
- Li Z, Wang X, Li X, Wang Z, Zhai W. New Class of Multifunctional Bioinspired Microlattice with Excellent Sound Absorption, Damage Tolerance, and High Specific Strength. ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces 2023, 15(7), 9940–9952.
- Li X, Yu X, Zhao M, Li Z, Wang Z, Zhai W. Multi-Level Bioinspired Microlattice with Broadband Sound-Absorption Capabilities and Deformation-Tolerant Compressive Response. Advanced Functional Materials 2023, 33(2), 2210160.
- Li Z, Li X, Wang Z, Zhai W. Multifunctional sound-absorbing and mechanical metamaterials via a decoupled mechanism design approach. Materials Horizons 2023, 10(1), 75-87.
- Li X, Zhao M, Yu X, Wei Chua J, Yang Y, Lim KM, Zhai W. Multifunctional and customizable lattice structures for simultaneous sound insulation and structural applications. Materials and Design 2023, 234, 112354.
- Li X, Yu X, Zhai W. Less Is More: Hollow-Truss Microlattice Metamaterials with Dual Sound Dissipation Mechanisms and Enhanced Broadband Sound Absorption. Small 2023, 18(44), 2204145.
- Li Z, Li X, Wang X, Wang Z, Zhai W. Interpenetrating Hollow Microlattice Metamaterial Enables Efficient Sound-Absorptive and Deformation-Recoverable Capabilities. ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces 2023, 15(20), 24868-24879.
- Li X, Yu X, Chua JW, Zhai W. Harnessing cavity dissipation for enhanced sound absorption in Helmholtz resonance metamaterials. Materials Horizons 2023, (8), 2892-2903.
- Zhao M, Li Z, Chua JW, Lim CH, Li X. Enhanced energy-absorbing and sound-absorbing capability of functionally graded and helicoidal lattice structures with triply periodic minimal surfaces. International Journal of Minerals, Metallurgy and Materials 2023, 30(10), 1973-1985.
- Wang X, Li Z, Li X, Wei K, Wang Z. Customizable plateau in face-centered cubic hierarchical lattices achieved by self-similar embedded design. Materials and Design 2023, 233, 112186.
- Li X, Lim KM, Zhai W. A novel class of bioinspired composite via ultrasound-assisted directed self-assembly digital light 3D printing. Applied Materials Today 2023, 26, 101388.
- Li X, Yu X, Chua JW, Lee HP, Zhai W. Microlattice metamaterials with simultaneous superior acoustic and mechanical energy absorption. Small 2021, 17(24), 2100336.
- Li X, Yu X, Zhai W. Additively Manufactured Deformation-Recoverable and Broadband Sound-Absorbing Microlattice Inspired by the Concept of Traditional Perforated Panels. Advanced Materials 2021, 33(44), 2104552.
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Book Chapter
- Li X, Zhai W. Additive Manufacturing of Lattice Structures. In: Yinquan Yu, Sam Zhang, ed. Materials in Advanced Manufacturing. Boca Raton: CRC Press, 2023, pp.301-337.
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Reviews
- Zhang D, Ngoh Yen Qi N, Faye Duran Solco S, Li X, Suwardi A. Lattice Architectures for Thermoelectric Energy Harvesting. ACS Energy Letters 2024, (9), 2240-2247.
- Li X, Chua JW, Yu X, Li Z, Zhao M, Wang Z, Zhai W. 3D-Printed Lattice Structures for Sound Absorption: Current Progress, Mechanisms and Models, Structural-Property Relationships, and Future Outlook. Advanced Science 2024, 11(4), 2305232.