Introduction

Introduction to the Institute of Mechanics

Institute of Mechanics, Chinese Academy of Sciences (IMCAS) is the first national institution for mechanics research in China. It is a comprehensive and multidisplinary national mechanics research center organized on the conception of engineering science by Professor Qian Xuesen (Hsue-ShenTsien). Through steadfast efforts of several generations of scientists, the Institute enjoys international prestige in mechanics community. Also it makes important contributions to the economic and social development of the country. At the present, its main research directions include: micro-scale mechanics and trans-scale correlation, high-temperature gas dynamics and trans-atmosphere flight, microgravity science and its applications, key mechanical problems in oceanic engineering, environment, energy and transportation, mechanics in advanced manufacturing, biomechanics and bioengineering, etc.

Director's Message

Institute of Mechanics, CAS

　The Institute of Mechanics (IMECH), Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), was established in 1956, among the first national research centers that have been set up under CAS. With the conception of engineering science laid out by its first directors Professor Qian Xuesen, Qian Weichang, and Guo Yonghuai as its guideline, the Institute always takes it as its task to serve the needs of national major strategies. IMECH is committed to advancing into the future based on its past experiences while adhering to the principles of engineering science. IMECH maintains clear strategic objectives and focuses its research on key areas such as space technology, oceanic engineering, environmental, energy and transportation, disasters and environment engineering to meet the demands of the national strategic requirements and the advancement of sciences in general.

Administration

International Cooperation

Key Facts

With the approval of Marshal Chen Yi, Vice Premier of the State Council, the Institute of Mechanics, Chinese Academy of Science was formally established, with Qian Xuesen as the Director, Qian Weichang as the Vice Director, and Guo Yonghuai as the long-term Executive Vice Director.

1956

The Institute of Mechanics welcomed 13 visits from six different countries - the UK, the US, the Soviet Union, Albania, Romania, and North Korea. Among the visitors were renowned scientists, like Lin Jiajiao, Yi Jiaxun, and Zhang Jieqian.

1972

The Institute of Mechanicscelebrated its 30th anniversary, focusing on "Mechanics in the next 15 years". Zhou Guangzhao, Yan Jici, Zhou Peiyuan, Mao Yisheng, Qian Lingxi and others delivered speeches. The event was attended by nineteen distinguished mechanics from six countries and regions.

1986

Academician Bai Yilong was awarded the John Rinehart Prize, for his seminal contributions to the theories of shear-band formation and damage in materials and for his leadership in dynamic behavior of materials in China. He is the first Chinese winner of the prestigious award since its establishment.

2007

Academician Zheng Zemin, a famous engineer, won the 2012 National Top Science and Technology Prize.He was one of the pioneers in promoting the development of explosion mechanics in China. He advanced the fluid elasticity-plasticity model and evolved the basic research procedures of explosion mechanics, which are currently employed.. Consequently, he is acknowledged for establishing an all-embracing discipline system of explosion mechanics.

2012

The 23rd Mechanics Conference (ICTAM2012) was held in Beijing, organised by the Chinese Society of Mechanics and hosted by the International Union of Theoretical and Applied Mechanics (IUTAM). Academician Baililong from the Institute of Mechanics, CAS presided as the President.

2012

The American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA) awarded the Ground Testing Award to Jiang Zonglin from the Institute of Mechanics, CAS. Jiang is the first Chinese scholar to receive this international recognition in over 40 years, and also the first scientist from Asia to do so.

2016

The ZK-1A rocket, created by the Institute of Mechanics, CAS, launched from Jiuquan Satellite Launch Centre and successfully placed six satellites into the intended orbit. This successful mission proves that the ZK-1A rocket is the best option for launching medium and small satellites, and enhances China's solid rocket launch vehicles.