Assoc. Prof. Dr Jihua Liu | Railway tribology | Visionary in Materials Mechanics Award
associate dean, Wuyi University, China
Dr. Jihua Liu is an Associate Professor of Vehicle Engineering at Wuyi University, specializing in rail materials, mechanical design, and high-speed railway engineering. With a strong background in material science and mechanical design, his research focuses on rail damage mechanisms, wheel-rail adhesion, and fatigue analysis in railway systems. Dr. Liu has secured multiple research grants from the National Natural Science Foundation of China and Guangdong Research Foundation, emphasizing his contributions to railway safety and efficiency. His high-impact publications in Wear, Engineering Failure Analysis, and International Communications in Heat and Mass Transfer demonstrate his expertise. Throughout his career, he has progressed from a lecturer to an associate professor, showcasing his dedication to advancing research in vehicle engineering. His work bridges academia and industry, contributing to safer, more efficient railway transportation. ππ¬
Profile
Education π
Dr. Jihua Liu holds a Doctor of Engineering in Mechanical Design and Theory from Southwest Jiaotong University (2010-2016), where he developed expertise in rail materials, wear mechanisms, and fatigue analysis. Prior to that, he earned his Bachelor of Engineering in Material Science and Engineering (2006-2010) from the same university, focusing on the fundamentals of material behavior and structural integrity. His educational background laid a strong foundation for his advanced research on railway materials and vehicle dynamics. His doctoral work involved high-speed railway component durability and performance optimization, which continues to be a key focus in his professional career. ππ
Experience π
Dr. Liu began his academic career as a Lecturer in Mechanical Engineering (2016-2017) at East China Jiaotong University, where he taught and conducted research on railway vehicle performance. He then advanced to Senior Lecturer in Vehicle Engineering (2017-2023) at Wuyi University, expanding his expertise in wheel-rail contact mechanics and damage analysis. Since May 2023, he has been an Associate Professor, leading key research projects on railway material degradation, friction performance, and non-wheel-rail contact transportation technologies. His career trajectory reflects his continuous contribution to railway engineering research and education. ππ
Awards and Honors π
Dr. Liu began his academic career as a Lecturer in Mechanical Engineering (2016-2017) at East China Jiaotong University, where he taught and conducted research on railway vehicle performance. He then advanced to Senior Lecturer in Vehicle Engineering (2017-2023) at Wuyi University, expanding his expertise in wheel-rail contact mechanics and damage analysis. Since May 2023, he has been an Associate Professor, leading key research projects on railway material degradation, friction performance, and non-wheel-rail contact transportation technologies. His career trajectory reflects his continuous contribution to railway engineering research and education. ππ
Research Focus π¬
Dr. Liuβs research revolves around railway material durability, wear mechanisms, and adhesion characteristics under varying environmental conditions. His work aims to improve rail safety, efficiency, and lifespan by studying:
Publications
Rolling contact wear mechanism of different microstructures in U75V rail flash-butt welds β Wear, 2025 ποΈπ€οΈ
Research on the friction performance and structural optimization of brake pads considering train brake disc temperature β International Communications in Heat and Mass Transfer, 2025 ππ§
Microstructure, properties, and fracture failure mechanism of MAG welded joints of four types of stainless steels β Engineering Failure Analysis, 2023 π¬βοΈ
Analyzing the rolling contact damage behavior of a high-speed wheel tread: A case study β Wear, 2023 π π
Experimental study of the effects of high temperature and humidity on the wear and damage behavior of U71Mn rail steel β Wear, 2023 π‘οΈπ οΈ
Investigation of welded rail joints and their performance in high-speed rail applications β Engineering Failure Analysis, 2023 ποΈπ¬
Conclusion:
Dr. Jihua Liu is a highly qualified and competitive candidate for the Best Researcher Award, given his expertise in rail materials, mechanical design, and high-speed railway engineering. His strong research portfolio, high-impact publications, and secured grants make him a standout researcher in his field. Strengthening international collaborations, industry partnerships, and global research leadership would further enhance his candidacy for prestigious international research awards. ππ¬