The laboratory, originally established as the State Key Laboratory of Mechanics and Control for Mechanical Structure in 2011, was one of the first restructured key State laboratories in 2022. It is developed primarily based on disciplines such as Mechanics, Aerospace Science and Technology, and Control Science and Engineering, all of which belong to the disciplines listed on the country's "Double First-Class Initiative", as well as disciplines like Mechanical Engineering, Materials Science and Engineering, and Information Engineering.
The laboratory focuses on major national projects such as hypersonic technology, lunar exploration, manned spaceflight, large aircraft, and a "two-engine" technological initiative focused on aviation engines and gas turbines. It addresses key scientific and technological challenges related to China's large passenger aircraft, advanced fighter jets, helicopters, drones, super-large-scale spacecraft, reusable aerospace vehicles, advanced military and civilian aviation engines, and wide-speed-range aerospace power systems. Research areas include lightweight structural design for high reliability, flexible lightweight structural dynamics design and control, thermal structural design and thermal control, and material-structure integration for precise manufacturing. It aims to develop theories and methods for aerospace structural dynamics and control and support lightweight design, performance enhancement, and reliability improvement of aerospace equipment.
The laboratory is led by Academician Guo Wanlin of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, with Guo and three other academicians, Xuan Yimin, Zhao Chunsheng, and Shan Zhongde, leading the research. The laboratory has over 200 permanent staff, including three CAS academicians, one Chinese Academy of Engineering academician, and over 50 national-level and young talents.
The laboratory has pioneered in aircraft structural dynamics and control, intelligent material structural mechanics, nanomechanics, thermal control, and thermal management. It has developed China's first ultrasonic motor used in space applications. It has provided critical technological and talent support for the development of important military and civilian aviation models such as C919, AG600, ARJ21, Zhi-20, J-15, J-20, medium-range high-speed drones, WS10, and CJ1000 engines, as well as for the Tianwen, Tiangong, and Chang'e series of space missions.
Aircraft structural component durability testing system. [Photo/en.nuaa.edu.cn]
