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Topic: Learning from Failure of Materials and Structures

Speaker: Professor MAI Yiu Wing

Host: Professor ZHENG Qingbin

Date: Wednesday, May 13, 2026

Time: 10:30 AM - 11:45 AM

Venue: R102, Teaching Complex C（TxC102）

Language: English

Abstract:

Poor design of structures and inadequate understanding of materials properties have led to many disastrous accidents resulting in losses of life and productivity. In this talk, I will discuss how materials behave under different environmental conditions, how defects and cracks initiate failure, how failure-safe concept can be used for structural integrity, etc. Through history, there are many cases of failure accidents, and some are well reported in the public domain, which I will use as examples to highlight the apparently simple mistakes and errors made by engineers and designers causing such failure events. These are lessons we can learn to minimize future accidents. This is a general talk open to engineering undergraduates, postgraduates and faculty, as well as all interested non-specialists.

Speaker Profile:

Prof. MAI Yiu Wing (米耀荣) received his BSc (Eng) and PhD in mechanical engineering from the University of Hong Kong in 1969 and 1972, respectively. He joined the University of Sydney as Lecturer in 1976 and was appointed University Chair in Engineering in 2004. He had worked for short periods at HKUST (1993-1995) and CityUHK (2000-2002). He returned to Hong Kong in 2023 as Distinguished Chair Professor in Composites Science and Engineering at PolyU. His primary research interests are fracture mechanics and advanced composites. Prof. Mai holds fellowship in several national academies: Foreign Member of the Chinese Academy of Engineering, Fellow of the Royal Society, and Fellow of the Australian Academy of Science.

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