Yazhuo LIU

About

I am a Ph.D. Candidate in Mechanical Engineering at the Georgia Institute of Technology, advised by Prof. Ting Zhu. My research lies at the intersection of Solid Mechanics and Materials Science, employing computational methods to unravel the physical mechanisms governing material behavior from the atomic to the continuum scale.

Profile

"Bridging the gap between nano-scale physics and macro-scale applications to design the next generation of resilient materials."

My academic journey began at SUSTech (B.Sc. in Theoretical and Applied Mechanics), where I developed a strong foundation in fracture mechanics under the guidance of Prof. Wei Hong. Currently, my doctoral work focuses on Multiscale modeling, specifically investigating crystal plasticity, grain growth, and the mechanical degradation of solid-state electrolytes.

Degree: Ph.D. Candidate
Focus: Mechanics of Materials
Location: Atlanta, GA, USA

University: Georgia Tech
Email: [email protected]

I am passionate about using rigorous mechanics principles to solve complex engineering challenges. My goal is to contribute to the fundamental understanding of material reliability, paving the way for safer and more efficient technologies.

Resume

Welcome to my resume! Last updated: Nov. 13, 2025

Education

Georgia Institute of Technology Atlanta, GA

Jan. 2022 - Now

Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering

Focusing on mechanical behavior of metals and solid-state electrolytes at the nano to macro-scale.

Southern University of Science and Technology Shenzhen, China

Aug. 2017 - Jun. 2021

B.Sc. in Theoretical and Applied Mechanics

Focusing on fracture mechanics of soft materials.

Experience

Georgia Institute of Technology Atlanta, GA

Aug. 2025 - May. 2026

Instructor of COE3001 - Deformable Bodies

Jan. 2022 - now

Graduate research assistant, Advisor: Prof. Ting Zhu

Southern University of Science and Technology Shenzhen, China

Jun. 2021 - Dec. 2021

Research Assistant, Supervisor: Prof. Wei Hong

Jan. 2019 - Jun. 2021

Student Teaching Assistant, Supervisor: Prof. Yan Wei

Cornell University Ithaca, NY

Jun. 2020 - Sep. 2020

Summer Research Intern, Supervisor: Prof. Herbert Hui

Publications

Liu, Y., Zhang, Y., Ding, K., Yang, Y., Barrios, A., Maeder, X., Pierron, O., Liu, X.*, & Zhu, T.* (2026). Phase-field modeling of abnormal grain growth. Acta Materialia (in progress).

Liu, Y., Ding, K., Birnbaum, A. J., Rawlings, A., Sun, A., Chen, W., McDowell, D. L., Michopoulos, J. G., & Zhu, T.* (2026). Surface plasticity in laser scanning of metals. Acta Materialia, 302, 121667.

Liu, Y., Feng, X., & Hong, W.* (2023). Non-affine dissipation in polymer fracture. Extreme Mechanics Letters, 59, 101955.

Liu, Y., Hui, C.-Y., & Hong, W.* (2021). A clean cut. Extreme Mechanics Letters, 46, 101343. (Cover)