Dr. Fei Xiao | Engineering | Innovative Research Award

Xiao Fei is an expert in civil and airport engineering, specializing in cryogenic material storage, geothermal energy, and data analytics. He holds a PhD in Civil Engineering from Nanyang Technological University and has extensive research experience in underground LNG storage and grouting technologies. Currently based at Nanjing University of Aeronautics and Astronautics, he has also worked with institutions like Shanghai Jiao Tong University and Huazhong University of Science and Technology. His skills include finite element analysis, data modeling, and structural optimization. Xiao Fei has received multiple academic awards, including the SRMEG Outstanding Paper Award.

Dr. Fei Xiao | Nanjing University of Aeronautics and Astronautics | China

🎓Education

Xiao Fei obtained a PhD in Civil Engineering from Nanyang Technological University (NTU), Singapore, between August 2014 and August 2018. Prior to that, he earned a Master of Engineering in Naval Architecture and Ocean Engineering from Shanghai Jiao Tong University (SJTU) from September 2011 to March 2014. His undergraduate studies were completed at Huazhong University of Science and Technology (HUST), where he graduated magna cum laude with a Bachelor of Science degree in Naval Architecture and Ocean Engineering from September 2007 to June 2011.

👨‍🏫Experience

Xiao Fei has gained professional experience through roles in both academia and industry. He worked as an Assistant Engineer at Germanischer Lloyd (GL, Shanghai) from November 2013 to January 2014, where he was responsible for 3D modeling of a 10,000 TEU container ship. Additionally, he served as a work assistant at SJTU’s Graduate School (2011-2013) and held leadership positions in student organizations. His industry experience includes an assistant surveyor role at Registro Italiano Navale (RINA, Shanghai) in early 2011, where he was involved in quality control testing and structural inspections.

🏆Awards and Recognitions

Xiao Fei has received multiple prestigious awards throughout his academic and professional career. He won the Best Presentation and Outstanding Paper Award at the SRMEG (Singapore) in 2021, as well as the Second Runner-up Outstanding Paper Award in 2018-2019. During his studies at SJTU, he was awarded the American Bureau of Shipping Scholarship (Top 10%) in 2013 and the China Classification Society Scholarship (Top 23%) in 2012. He has also been recognized for his leadership, receiving the Outstanding Student Leader Award at both SJTU (2012) and HUST (2010). His achievements include academic excellence scholarships, self-reliance scholarships, and recognition for moral and extracurricular contributions at HUST.

💡Skills and Certifications

Xiao Fei possesses a strong technical skill set, including proficiency in finite element analysis using COMSOL Multiphysics, ANSYS, and ABAQUS. He is adept at designing and conducting experiments, performing data post-processing, and developing application programs using MATLAB and C Language. His expertise extends to data analysis with MATLAB and IBM SPSS, as well as 2D and 3D modeling using AutoCAD and Poseidon.

🔬 Research Focus

Xiao Fei has been extensively involved in research projects related to underground LNG storage, high-pressure grouting technology for tunneling, and stability analysis of offshore structures. At the SJ-NTU Corporate Lab from May 2019 to May 2021, he worked on determining the configuration of pit-type storage systems, developing cost estimation and optimization models, and building numerical models for thermal and mechanical analysis. During his PhD at NTU (2015-2019), he focused on high-pressure grouting for tunneling, employing artificial neural networks for predictive modeling and developing simulations for grout penetration in fractured rock systems. His earlier research at SJTU (2012-2013) and HUST (2011) involved stability and reliability analysis of top-tensioned risers in real sea conditions and stress intensity factor analysis in offshore structures.

🌎Conclusion

Dr. Fei Xiao is highly suitable for the Research for Innovative Research Award, given his exceptional research contributions, innovative problem-solving, and leadership in advancing engineering knowledge. His work aligns with the award’s goal of recognizing researchers who push the boundaries of technology and sustainability.

📖Publications

Innovative measures for thermal performance enhancement of single well-based deep geothermal systems: existing solutions and some viable options
Authors: F. Xiao*, Z. Zhao, L. Yang
Journal: Geomechanics and Geophysics for Geo-Energy and Geo-Resources, 2022
Numerical simulation of single well geothermal system based on the artificial geyser concept considering phase change and multiphysics coupling
Authors: Z. Chen, F. Xiao*
Journal: Geomechanics and Geophysics for Geo-Energy and Geo-Resources, 2025
Thermal runaway prevention and mitigation for lithium-ion battery-powered electric aircraft: challenges and perspectives
Authors: L. Yang, F. Liu, F. Li, Z. Chen, J. Wang, L. Gao, F. Xiao, J. Sun, A. Romagnoli
Journal: Aerospace Traffic and Safety, 2024
Revisiting the evaluation of hydraulic transmissivity of elliptical rock fractures in triaxial shear-flow experiments
Authors: Y. Ji, H. Hofmann, E. H. Rutter, F. Xiao*, L. Yang
Journal: Rock Mechanics and Rock Engineering, 2022
Performance enhancement of horizontal extension and thermal energy storage to an abandoned exploitation well and satellite LNG station integrated ORC system
Authors: F. Xiao*, L. Yang, L. He, A. Gil, S. Rajoo, Z. Zhao, A. Romagnoli, L. F. Cabeza
Journal: Applied Thermal Engineering, 2022

Fei Xiao | Engineering | Innovative Research Award