Mechanical Materials Processing Engineering is a discipline that focuses on the applied technologies for processing mechanical materials into various components and finished products that meet expected functional requirements and service life by controlling their external shapes and internal organizational structures. The scope of modern materials processing engineering has surpassed the traditional categories of cold and hot working, and it maintains interdependent and mutually reinforcing close ties with disciplines such as materials science, materials physics and chemistry, mechatronics, automatic control, as well as the research and development of new high-performance materials, highlighting its interdisciplinary characteristics.

This program is characterized by research on the fundamental theories and engineering applications of new materials, new technologies, and new processes. It aims to cultivate high-level engineering technicians with pioneering spirit and international perspectives in this field and to conduct research on cutting-edge topics within the discipline. The program has a strong research foundation, excellent working conditions, and a qualified faculty.

Main Research Directions of this Program:

1.  Rail Transit Materials
    Focuses on the composition and microstructure design of new bainitic steels, phase transformation mechanisms, strengthening and toughening mechanisms, advanced process technologies such as Q-P treatment and low-temperature bainitic transformation; mathematical and physical modeling of the relationships between composition, process, microstructure, and properties; development, promotion, and application of new materials and processes like bainitic rails, wheels, axles, bainitic nano-ultra-high strength steels, and bainitic wear-resistant steels; research and application of materials for key components such as brake discs, couplers, axle bushes, and axle boxes made of metals and metal matrix composites; new materials and technologies for vehicle key components with specific functional requirements, such as M/Mn+1ACn series composite material pantograph sliders.

2.  Metals and Their Composites
    Focuses on the alloy design, microalloying, and component design of metals and their composites; theories and preparation technologies related to bimetallic composites, semi-solid processing, and liquid die forging; characterization of material properties, relationships and patterns between composition, process, microstructure, and mechanical properties; interfacial mechanical behavior of composite plates; strengthening and toughening mechanisms of microalloying, particle reinforcement mechanisms, physical metallurgy strengthening mechanisms in semi-solid and liquid die forging; assessment and analysis of material service behavior, damage, and failure mechanisms.

3.  Inorganic Non-metallic Materials and Their Composites
    Focuses on synthesis and fine preparation methods for high-performance ceramics and their composites with various structural forms such as layered, gradient, porous, and biomimetic; design and preparation of function-integrated structural materials; new series of conductive ceramic composites, crack self-healing in ceramic materials; preparation technology, performance characterization, and application of new magnetic fluids; relationships between material composition, structure, and mechanical/electrical properties, and their characterization methods; service characteristics, degradation mechanisms, evaluation methods, and engineering applications of materials, such as mechanical-electrical coupled tribology.

4.  Material Forming and Surface Treatment Technologies
    Focuses on theories and technical fundamentals related to advanced forming technologies for components, quality reliability, and performance improvement; material modification technologies and mechanisms for light metal materials, such as lattice formation, cryogenic treatment, and droplet spreading/stir processing; forming methods for metallic materials (liquid, semi-solid, plastic, superplastic), welding, self-lubricating materials, ceramics, and polymer materials; mold materials and process equipment; heat treatment modification and surface treatment technologies such as plasma, laser, micro-arc oxidation, and shot peening; quality inspection of formed materials, service characteristics and failure analysis of components.

5.  Numerical Simulation of Materials and Their Processing Processes
    Focuses on computer simulation technologies for processes such as liquid forming, semi-solid forming, plastic processing, welding, injection molding, and heat treatment; dynamic simulation of the structure and function of magnetic fluid materials; first-principles analysis and simulation of materials; simulation technology-based mold and process design, quality prediction and control, collaborative design methods and applications for component mechanical structures and forming processes.

This program boasts an academic team with a reasonable echelon structure, led by an academician and backed by professors and associate professors as the backbone. In recent years, the team has undertaken a number of research projects including 973 Program, 863 Program, Key Technologies R&D Program, National Natural Science Foundation, international cooperation projects, provincial/ministerial-level projects, and enterprise commissions. They have published over a hundred high-level academic papers and obtained dozens of national invention patents, providing strong support for postgraduate education.The faculty team comprises:** 1 Academician, 7 Professors, 9 Associate Professors, 2 Research Fellows, and 1 Senior Engineer. There are 19 postgraduate supervisors, including 8 doctoral supervisors and 19 master's supervisors. 83% of the faculty hold doctoral degrees, and 42% have overseas experience.