Yumeng Zhao

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Yumeng Zhao

Assistant Professor Civil & Environmental Engr-Lincoln University of Nebraska-Lincoln

Contact

Address
PKI 204D
Omaha, NE 68588-0178
Phone
402-472-2371 On-campus 2-2371
Email
yzhao52@unl.edu
Website
Website
Website

My research interests lie in computational geomechanics, with a focus on particle-based methods in the Lagrangian framework for investigating large deformations of granular flows. I employ Smoothed Particle Hydrodynamics (SPH) and Discrete Element Modeling (DEM) to capture the complex behavior of soils and particulate systems. These numerical approaches are applied to address critical challenges in disaster prediction and mitigation, as well as energy exploitation. Beyond computational modeling, my work extends to bio-geotechnics, exploring both bio-inspired solutions for geotechnical applications and bio-mediated processes in granular and porous media. To complement these efforts, I also conduct advanced experimental studies to validate models and provide deeper insights into granular systems.

Education

Ph.D. in Civil Engineering (Geosystems), Georgia Institute of Technology, 2024

M.S in Computational Science and Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, 2021

M.S. in Civil Engineering (Geosystems), Georgia Institute of Technology, 2018

B.S. in Civil Engineering, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 2017

EXPERIENCE

Postdoctoral Fellow, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, 2024-2025

 

Selected Publications

• Ikbarieh, A., Jin, W., Zhao, Y., Saha, N., Klinger, J.L., Xia, Y. and Dai, S., (2025). Machine Learning Assisted Cross-Scale Hopper Design for Flowing Biomass Granular Materials. ACS Sustainable Chemistry & Engineering.
• Zhao, Y., Dai, S (2024). Nanoindentation and micro-structure of rock-boring angelwing clam. Acta Biomaterialia. 190, 423-434.
• Zhao, Y., Ikbarieh, A., Jin, W., Klinger, J., Saha, N., Dayton, D. C., & Dai, S (2024). SPH modeling of biomass granular flow: engineering application in hopper and auger. ACS Sustainable Chemistry & Engineering. 12(10), 4213-4223.
• Zhao, Y., Jin, W., Klinger, J., Dayton, D. C., & Dai, S. (2023). SPH modeling of biomass granular flow: Theoretical implementation and experimental validation. Powder Technology, 426, 118625.
• Zhao, Y., Deng, B., Cortes, D. D., & Dai, S. (2023). Morphological advantages of angelwing shells in mechanical boring. Acta Geotechnica, 1-12.
• Zhao, Y., & Dai, S. (2023). Challenges of rock drilling and opportunities from bio-boring. Biogeotechnics, 100009.