Dr Hongxu Wang | UNSW Research

Fields of Research (FoR)

Mechanical engineering, Composite and hybrid materials, Numerical modelling and mechanical characterisation, Solid mechanics, Aerospace materials, Aerospace structures, Automotive engineering materials, Automotive engineering, Construction materials, Civil engineering, Additive manufacturing

SEO tags

Materials performance and processes

Metals (composites, coatings, bonding, etc.)

My Research Activities

My research spans a broad range of areas, including impact dynamics, composite materials, protective structures, 3D printed materials, impact testing techniques, finite element modelling, protection technologies, etc. I was recognised among the World's Top 2% Scientists in 2024 and 2025.

I specialise in experimental characterisation of materials and structures under high strain-rate loading. My expertise includes...view more

My Research Activities

I specialise in experimental characterisation of materials and structures under high strain-rate loading. My expertise includes drop-tower impact testing, Split Hopkinson Pressure Bar (SHPB) experiments, and single-stage and two-stage gas-gun testing. I am open to collaborative research, technical consultation, and providing contumised dynamic-testing services.

My Research Supervision

Areas of supervision

Dr Hongxu Wang is accredited to supervise PhD students as a Primary Supervisor at UNSW. I am currently seeking highly motivated PhD students to join my research group. Candidates with strong academic performance and a solid publication record are encouraged to get in touch. Applicants with backgrounds in mechanical engineering, materials engineering, manufacturing engineering, civil engineering, or related fields are especially welcome.

Scholarships valued at $38,438 per annum (2025 rate) are available for high-achieving students, typically those with H1/High Distinction in their undergraduate program and/or a Masters by Research degree. All applicants must meet the English language requirements. Prospective candidates are encouraged to consult the HDR Application Process for detailed application information.

My Engagement

I currently serve as a guest editor for the following special issues:

“Dynamic Behavior of Polymer Composite Materials and Structures, 2nd Edition” (https://www.mdpi.com/journal/polymers/special_issues/075H1D0JE1) in Polymers, submission deadline: 31 January 2026.
“Bio-Inspired Materials and Structures for Impact Resistance and Energy Absorption” (https://www.mdpi.com/journal/biomimetics/special_issues/DKF3JY97IF) in Biomimetics, submission deadline: 31 May 2026.
“Intelligent, Multifunctional Negative Poisson's ratio/Negative Stiffness Mechanical Metamaterials” (https://www.frontiersin.org/research-topics/71989/intelligent-multifunctional-negative-poissons-rationegative-stiffness-mechanical-metamaterials) in Frontiers in Materials, submission deadline: 31 March 2026.

Please feel free to share the special issue details with colleagues and collaborators who are working in related fields. Your support is greatly appreciated.

Previous Editorial Roles

I served as a guest editor for the special issue on "Dynamic Behavior of Polymer Composite Materials and Structures" (https://www.mdpi.com/journal/polymers/special_issues/polymer_composite_structure_dynamic) in Polymers. Additionally, I was a guest editor for a special issue on "Microstructures and Properties of Composites" in Microstructures. I also held the position of Early Career Editorial Board Member for Defence Technology (Impact Factor: 5.1, JCR - Q1) from 1 July 2023 to 30 June 2025.