Research Associate Professor Chen Xi graduated from the School of Power and Energy of Northwestern Polytechnical University in 2012 and 2019, with a bachelor's degree in Aircraft Power Engineering and a doctorate in Science and Technology of Aeronautics and Astronautics, respectively. From February 2016 to January 2017, she worked as a mechanical engineer in the Large Drives Applications of Siemens AG, Germany, engaged in seismic design and 3D simulation calculation of a 15MW large drive motor. From 2019 to 2021, she conducted her post-doctoral research in the Department of Mechanics and Aerospace Engineering of Southern University of Science and Technology. Since July 2021, she has served as a research assistant professor in the Department of Mechanics and Aerospace Engineering, Southern University of Science and Technology. From December 2021, she has been selected as a supervisor for postgraduate (master) students.

Her research interests are in the application fields of rotating machinery, including aero-engines, marine gas turbines, large drive motors, and wind turbines. She has engaged in the theoretical fundamental research on nonlinear dynamics, structural vibration, rotor dynamics, etc.; the numerical simulation research on fluid-solid coupling algorithm, stability analysis, vibration control, etc.; and the engineering technology research on damper design, high-speed dynamic balancing, condition monitoring and fault diagnosis. Academic achievements include as follows:

(1) The modeling and analysis methods for dynamic characteristics of single rotors and dual-rotor systems with intershaft bearings excited by base motions were proposed. The effects of motion parameters on the dynamic responses of single/dual rotor systems were revealed, involving the angular velocity of base rotations, the magnitude and frequency of base harmonic translations, etc. Relevant research results provide a theoretical basis for the rapid calculation of system dynamic response induced by complicated external excitations.

(2) In the field of maneuvering flight and vibration damping, several innovations have been carried out. The nonlinear vibration characteristics of the rotor-damping-support systems were explored, and the analysis methods were proposed for the stability and motion bifurcation of high-speed rotor systems in the maneuvering flight environment. The changing tendency of the unstable region with the frequency of motion were revealed, indicating the conversion and correlation between different motions. The research results provide theoretical support for the dynamic design of engine rotor systems with high maneuverability.

(3) The field dynamic balancing theory of flexible rotors was developed, and the problems of amplitude and phase jumps when the rotating speed fluctuates were solved. The high-speed dynamic balancing of turbofan engine with a large bypass ratio was realized, which plays a key role in damping and vibration control of engines. The technological achievements were used in the development of large aircraft engine engineering and the first prize of 2016 National Defense Science and Technology Progress Award was achieved.

Working Experience

2016.2-2017.1, Mechanical Engineer, Large Drives Applications (LDA), Siemens AG, Germany

2019.6-2021.6, Post-doctoral Fellow, Department of Mechanics and Aerospace Engineering, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen,

2021.07-Present, Research Assistant Professor, Department of Mechanics and Aerospace Engineering, Southern University of Science and Technology

Education Background

2008.9-2012.7, Bachelor, Aircraft Power Engineering, School of Power and Energy, Northwestern Polytechnical University

2012.9-2019.3, Ph.D., Science and Technology of Aeronautics and Astronautics, Northwestern Polytechnical University

Research Direction 

Theoretical fundamental research on nonlinear dynamics, structural vibration, rotor dynamics, etc.

Numerical simulation research on fluid-solid coupling algorithm, stability analysis, vibration control, etc.

Engineering technology research on damper design, high-speed dynamic balancing, condition monitoring and fault diagnosis, etc.

Journal Peer Reviewer

Journal of Sound and Vibration, Nonlinear Dynamics, Proceedings of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers (Proc. IMechE) Part G: Journal of Aerospace Engineering, Proc. IMechE Part A: Journal of Power and Energy, Journal of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME), Journal of the Brazilian Society of Mechanical Sciences and Engineering (BSME), etc.

Academic Papers

1. Chen, X., Gan, X. H., and Ren, G. M., 2022, "Effects of journal static eccentricity on dynamic responses of a rotor system under base motions using FDM inertia model," Journal of Sound and Vibration, 519, p. 116591.

2. Chen, X., Ren, G. M., and Gan, X. H., 2021, "Dynamic behavior of a flexible rotor system with squeeze film damper considering oil-film inertia under base motions," Nonlinear Dynamics, 106(4), pp. 3117-3145.

3. Chen, X., Gan, X. H., and Ren, G. M., 2021, "Effect of flight/structural parameters and operating conditions on dynamic behavior of a squeeze-film damped rotor system during diving–climbing maneuver," Proceedings of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers, Part G: Journal of Aerospace Engineering, ‏ 235(3), pp. 308-338.

4. Chen, X., Gan, X. H., and Ren, G. M., 2020, "Dynamic modeling and nonlinear analysis of a rotor system supported by squeeze film damper with variable static eccentricity under aircraft turning maneuver," Journal of Sound and Vibration, 485, p. 115551.

5. Chen, X., Gan, X. H., and Ren, G. M., 2020, "Nonlinear responses and bifurcations of a rotor-bearing system supported by squeeze-film damper with retainer spring subjected to base excitations," Nonlinear Dynamics, 102(4), pp. 2143-2177.

6. Chen, X., Gan, X. H., Jiang, S. Y., and Ren, G. M., "Dynamic characteristics of a squeeze film damped rotor system considering instantaneous static eccentricity in maneuvering flight," Proceedings of the ASME Turbo Expo 2020: Turbomachinery Technical Conference and Exposition, American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME), p. International Gas Turbine Institute.

7. Chen, X., and Liao, M. F., "Transient characteristics of a dual-rotor system with intershaft bearing subjected to mass unbalance and base motions during start-up," Proceedings of the ASME Turbo Expo 2018: Turbomachinery Technical Conference and Exposition, American Society of Mechanical Engineers, p. V07AT33A007.

8. Chen, X., and Liao, M. F., "Steady-state characteristics of a dual-rotor system with intershaft bearing subjected to mass unbalance and base motions," Proceedings of the ASME Turbo Expo 2018: Turbomachinery Technical Conference and Exposition, American Society of Mechanical Engineers, p. V07AT33A006.

9. Chen, X., Liao, M. F., and Li, Q. K., 2017, "Effects of tightening torque on dynamic characteristics of low pressure rotors connected by a spline coupling," Transactions of Nanjing University of Aeronautics and Astronautics, 34(5), pp. 514-523.

10. Chen, X., Liao, M. F., Zhang, X. M., and Wang, S. J., 2017, "Field balancing technology for low pressure rotors of high bypass ratio turbofan engines," Journal of Aerospace Power, 32(4), pp. 808-819.

11. Chen, X., Liao, M. F., Wang, S. J., and Yi, Y., 2016, "Data acquisition and processing method for high-speed dynamic balancing of rotors," Journal of Propulsion Technology, 37(3), pp. 554-562.

12. Chen, X., Liao, M. F., and Li, Q. K., 2015, "Dynamic characteristics of a rotor system with a spline coupling," Journal of Propulsion Technology, 36(7), pp. 1069-1077.