Publications

Journal Articles


Ensemble-based data assimilation for material model characterization in high-velocity impact

Published in International Journal of Impact Engineering, Volume 215, Article 105738, 2026

High-fidelity simulations for high-velocity impact rely on material models and parameters that are often calibrated through labor-intensive manual fitting. This work develops an ensemble-based data assimilation framework that integrates Smoothed Particle Hydrodynamics, the ensemble Kalman filter, and adaptive covariance inflation to automatically identify representative plasticity, fracture, and equation-of-state parameters from a single high-velocity impact test. Using synthetic back-face deflection data of an AZ31B magnesium plate, the study shows that the proposed approach can efficiently recover sensitive parameters, diagnose identifiability through ensemble statistics, and provide a robust alternative to traditional calibration workflows.

Recommended citation: Rong Jin, Guangyao Wang, and Xingsheng Sun (2026). "Ensemble-based data assimilation for material model characterization in high-velocity impact." International Journal of Impact Engineering, 215, 105738. DOI: 10.1016/j.ijimpeng.2026.105738
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Size and shape dependence of hydrogen-induced phase transformation and sorption hysteresis in palladium nanoparticles

Published in Modelling and Simulation in Materials Science and Engineering, Vol. 32(8), 2024

Phase transitions in metal-hydrogen systems are important for applications in energy storage, catalysis, and sensing, yet the link between nanoparticle structure and hydrogen behavior remains difficult to quantify. This work develops a computational framework combining Diffusive Molecular Dynamics with an iterative equilibrium strategy to study hydrogen absorption and desorption in palladium nanoparticles of different sizes and shapes. The results reveal abrupt phase transformations and pronounced sorption hysteresis in all cases, with clear size and shape effects. These trends are explained through facet-dependent volumetric strain distributions and heterogeneous hydrogen arrangements within the nanoparticles.

Recommended citation: Xingsheng Sun, Rong Jin (2024). "Size and shape dependence of hydrogen-induced phase transformation and sorption hysteresis in palladium nanoparticles." Modelling and Simulation in Materials Science and Engineering, Vol. 32(8). DOI: 10.1088/1361-651X/ad89e3
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Conference Papers


Characterization of Energy Dissipation and Material Failure Mechanisms In High-Velocity Impact of Magnesium Alloys

Published in Proceedings of the ASME 2024 International Mechanical Engineering Congress and Exposition, Volume 3, American Society of Mechanical Engineers, Portland, Oregon, USA, 2024

This work presents a computational study of high-velocity impact in magnesium alloys using the Smoothed Particle Hydrodynamics method. Simulations of a stainless steel projectile impacting a magnesium alloy plate over a range of velocities are used to investigate stress evolution, temperature rise, and dominant material failure mechanisms such as spalling and adiabatic shearing. The study also quantifies how the initial impact kinetic energy is redistributed into the kinetic and internal energies of both projectile and target. The results show how impact velocity influences energy partition, back-face response, and the relative contributions of different dissipation pathways during penetration.

Recommended citation: Rong Jin, Xingsheng Sun (2024). "Characterization of Energy Dissipation and Material Failure Mechanisms In High-Velocity Impact of Magnesium Alloys." In Proceedings of the ASME 2024 International Mechanical Engineering Congress and Exposition, Volume 3. American Society of Mechanical Engineers, November 17-21, 2024, Portland, Oregon, USA. DOI: 10.1115/imece2024-141602
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The Conceptional Design and Simulation of a Foldable Lunar Vehicle

Published in Proceedings of the 2021 11th International Conference on Power, Energy and Electrical Engineering (CPEEE), pp. 272-280, Shiga, Japan, 2021

This paper proposes a conceptual design for a small foldable lunar vehicle intended to improve deployability and operational efficiency in future moon exploration. The vehicle incorporates a foldable mechanism that reduces stowed volume, a robotic arm with an integrated camera to simplify sensing requirements, and a hybrid power concept combining solar panels with compact nuclear batteries. Its folding process, slope-climbing capability, and obstacle-crossing performance are evaluated through SOLIDWORKS MOTION simulations. Based on the simulation results, further design improvements, including enhanced suspension and automatic route planning, are discussed to support more practical and scalable lunar exploration missions.

Recommended citation: Rong Jin (2021). "The Conceptional Design and Simulation of a Foldable Lunar Vehicle." In Proceedings of the 2021 11th International Conference on Power, Energy and Electrical Engineering (CPEEE), pp. 272-280. February 26-28, 2021, Shiga, Japan. DOI: 10.1109/CPEEE51686.2021.9383342
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