Mechanics of Advanced Materials and Structures (MAMS) Research group

Introduction

The Research Group on Mechanics of Advanced Materials and Structures (MAMS) at the University of Transport Technology (UTT) is dedicated to advancing the understanding of the mechanical behavior and performance of next-generation materials and complex structural systems. MAMS places a strong emphasis on advanced materials, including functionally graded composites, nanocomposites, and architected systems such as auxetic and lattice materials. These materials are tailored for enhanced mechanical performance in demanding applications. The group’s contributions are highly relevant to various engineering sectors, including aerospace, civil infrastructure, energy, and smart structural systems, where the need for lightweight, durable, and resilient materials is paramount. MAMS aims to bridge the gap between theoretical material design and practical engineering implementation. The group actively participates in scientific and technological tasks at the national, ministerial, and institutional levels, with research spanning various aspects of material mechanics, from theoretical investigations to engineering applications. MAMS has a strong publication record in leading international journals and actively supervises a growing number of PhD and Master’s theses in the field of composite mechanics and structural engineering.

Fields of research

A major focus is placed on the prediction and analysis of the mechanical behavior of these materials and structures. Representative problems include:

• Linear and nonlinear static buckling and bending analysis of beams, plates, and shells under mechanical, thermal, and electrical loading conditions.
• Nonlinear dynamic buckling of structural components subjected to time-dependent loads.
• Linear and nonlinear vibration analysis under various loading scenarios such as harmonic excitation, supersonic aerodynamic loads, blast loads, and wind forces.

In terms of materials, the group concentrates on advanced composite materials, including:

• Functionally graded materials (FGMs), such as functionally graded carbon nanotube-reinforced composites (FG-CNTRCs), functionally graded graphene-reinforced composites (FG-GRCs/FG-GRMMCs), functionally graded graphene platelet-reinforced composites (FG-GPLRCs), porous FG-GPLRCs, and functionally graded porous materials.
• Architected materials with unique mechanical properties, including auxetic structures, lattice materials, corrugated cores, and piezoelectric composites.
• Multilayered hybrid composites formed by combining the above materials to optimize the performance of individual constituents.

Regarding structural forms, the research spans across nano-, micro-, and macro-scale plate and shell structures subjected to various loading and boundary conditions. Typical structural configurations include:

• Flat plates and curved panels such as rectangular plates, cylindrical panels, doubly curved shells, parabolic and sinusoidal panels, and other complex geometries.
• Shells of revolution, including circular cylindrical shells, toroidal shell segments, conical shells, and intricately curved shells.
• Circular plates and spherical caps, as well as their parabolic, sinusoidal, and hybrid variants.
• General shell and plate structures with complex shapes and load interactions.

Main outcomes:

- Projects

The group has led and participated in a number of research projects funded at national and institutional levels. Key projects include:

- Publications

MAMS members have published extensively in high-impact international journals. Selected publications include:

1) Vu Hoai Nam, Le Ngoc Ly, Do Thi Kieu My, Nguyen Thi Phuong, An analytical approach for nonlinear global buckling behavior of sandwich cylindrical panels with multilayer corrugated CNT-reinforced core in thermal environment, Engineering Structures, 345, Part B, 121570 (2025). https://doi.org/10.1016/j.engstruct.2025.121570

2) Vu Hoai Nam, Cao Van Doan, Pham Thanh Hieu, Kieu Lan Huong, Nguyen Thi Phuong. A new analytical approach for nonlinear pressured buckling behavior of FG-GRMMC complexly curved toroidal shell segments with piezoelectric layers stiffened by spiral FG-GRMMC stiffeners. Proceedings of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers, Part C: Journal of Mechanical Engineering Science, 239(24), 10110-10126 (2025). https://doi.org/10.1177/09544062251376103

3) Hoai Nam Vu, Van Doan Cao, Lan Huong Kieu, Quang Thai Kieu, Thuy Dong Dang. Nonlinear stability analysis of FG-GPLRC toroidal shell segments with arbitrary meridian curvature stiffened by helix FG-GPLRC stiffeners surrounded by an elastic foundation subjected to radial load. Mechanics Based Design of Structures and Machines, 1–21, (2025). https://doi.org/10.1080/15397734.2025.2594206

4) Pham Nhu Nam, Nguyen Van Tien, Vu Minh Duc, Nguyen Thi Phuong & Vu Hoai Nam. Semi-Analytical Approach for Nonlinear Dynamic Response of Three-Dimensional Graphene Foams Reinforced Sandwich Panels with Complex Curvature and Auxetic Core in Thermal Environment. Mechanics of Composite Materials, 61, 963–980, (2025). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11029-025-10320-8

5) Vu Hoai Nam, Vu Tho Hung, Pham Nhu Nam, Vu Minh Duc & Nguyen Thi Phuong. Nonlinear electro-thermo-mechanical dynamic behavior of complexly curved GPL-reinforced panels with auxetic core. Mechanics of Advanced Materials and Structures, 32(22), 5547–5563 (2025). https://doi.org/10.1080/15376494.2024.2425364

6) Vu Hoai Nam, Nguyen Thi Thanh Hoai, Kieu Quang Thai, Pham Thanh Hieu & Dang Thuy Dong. Nonlinear hygro-thermo-mechanical postbuckling of spiderweb-stiffened sandwich FG-GPLRC spherical shells and circular plates with porous core. Acta Mechanica, (2025). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00707-025-04542-z

7) Hoai Nam Vu, Quang Minh Tran, Van Tien Nguyen, Thanh Hieu Pham, Thi Phuong Nguyen. Nonlinear static and dynamic buckling analysis of GPL-reinforced spherical caps and circular plates with porous core and stepped spiderweb stiffeners. Applied Mathematical Modelling, 145, 116123, (2025). https://doi.org/10.1016/j.apm.2025.116123.

8) Vu Hoai Nam, Cao Van Doan, Kieu Lan Huong, Kieu Quang Thai, Dang Thuy Dong. Analytical approach on the nonlinear pressure buckling analysis of helically stiffened FG-GRC toroidal shell segments with generalised meridional curvature. ZAMM‐Journal of Applied Mathematics and Mechanics/Zeitschrift für Angewandte Mathematik und Mechanik, 105, e70155, (2025). https://doi.org/10.1002/zamm.70155

9) Hoai Nam Vu, Van Tien Nguyen, Nhu Nam Pham, Quang Minh Tran, Minh Duc Vu. Nonlinear vibration responses of GPL-reinforced circular plates and spherical shells stiffened by multi-step spiderweb stiffeners with piezoelectric layer. Ships and Offshore Structures, 1–19, (2025). https://doi.org/10.1080/17445302.2025.2537944

10) Hoai Nam Vu, Thanh Hieu Pham, Van Tien Nguyen, Quang Minh Tran, Thi Phuong Nguyen. Nonlinear Thermomechanical Static and Dynamic Buckling Responses of FG-GPLRC Spherical Caps and Circular Plates with Two-Step Spiderweb Stiffeners and a Piezoelectric Layer. Journal of Engineering Mechanics, 151(7), 04025028, (2025). https://doi.org/10.1061/JENMDT.EMENG-8363

11) Hoai Nam Vu, Nhu Nam Pham, Tien Tu Bui, Minh Duc Vu, Thi Phuong Nguyen. A new semi-analytical approach for nonlinear electro-thermo-mechanical dynamic responses of FG-GPLRC shallow spherical caps and circular plates with porous core. Journal of Thermoplastic Composite Materials, 38(3), 911-932 (2025). https://doi.org/10.1177/08927057241259760

12) Vu Hoai Nam, Bui Tien Tu, Cao Van Doan, Pham Nhu Nam, Vu Minh Duc. A new semi-analytical approach for nonlinear dynamic responses of functionally graded porous graphene platelet-reinforced circular plates and spherical shells. Proceedings of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers, Part C: Journal of Mechanical Engineering Science, 239(3), 730-742 (2025). https://doi.org/10.1177/09544062241282766

13) Vu Hoai Nam, Nguyen Thi Thanh Hoai, Nguyen Van Tien, Pham Thanh Hieu, Nguyen Thi Phuong. Nonlinear thermo-mechanical static and dynamic buckling responses of functionally graded porous graphene-reinforced spherical shells and circular plates with spider-web stiffeners. Journal of Thermoplastic Composite Materials, (2025). https://doi.org/10.1177/08927057251355139

14) Vu Hoai Nam, Bui Tien Tu, Vu Tho Hung, Cao Van Doan, Nguyen Thi Phuong. Nonlinear thermomechanical buckling and postbuckling analysis of sandwich FG-GPLRC complexly curved caps and circular plates with porous core. Acta Mechanica, 236(1), 421-438, (2025). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00707-024-04152-1

15) Tien Tu Bui, Minh Duc Vu, Nhu Nam Pham, Van Doan Cao, Hoai Nam Vu. Nonlinear thermo-mechanical dynamic buckling and vibration of FG-GPLRC circular plates and shallow spherical shells resting on the nonlinear viscoelastic foundation. Archive of Applied Mechanics, 94(12), 3715-3729, (2024). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00419-024-02691-6

16) Hoai Nam Vu, Thi Kieu My Do, Minh Duc Vu, Tho Hung Vu, Thanh Hieu Pham, Thi Phuong Nguyen. A new analytical approach for nonlinear buckling and postbuckling of torsion-loaded FG-CNTRC sandwich toroidal shell segments with corrugated core in thermal environments. Mechanics of Advanced Materials and Structures, 31 (26), 7730-7741, (2024). https://doi.org/10.1080/15376494.2023.2249458

17) Vu Hoai Nam, Le Ngoc Ly, Do Thi Kieu My, Vu Minh Duc, Nguyen Thi Phuong. On the nonlinear buckling and postbuckling responses of sandwich FG‐GRC toroidal shell segments with corrugated core under axial tension and compression in the thermal environment. Polymer Composites, 45 (15), 13737-13752, (2024). https://doi.org/10.1002/pc.28732

18) Nguyen Thi Phuong, Vu Minh Duc, Nguyen Thi Giang, Le Ngoc Ly, Nguyen Thi Thanh Xuan, Vu Hoai Nam. Nonlinear vibration and dynamic buckling of complex curved functionally graded graphene panels reinforced with inclined stiffeners. International Journal of Structural Stability and Dynamics, 24(19), 2450223, (2024). https://doi.org/10.1142/S0219455424502237

19) Bui Tien Tu, Nguyen Thi Phuong, Le Ngoc Ly, Vu Tho Hung, Vu Hoai Nam. A New Analytical Approach to the Nonlinear Thermo-Mechanical Buckling Behavior of Three-Dimensional Graphene Foams-Reinforced Complexly Curved Caps and Circular Plates. International Journal of Structural Stability and Dynamics, 25(16), 2550169, (2025). https://doi.org/10.1142/S021945542550169X

20) Bui Tien Tu, Dang Thuy Dong, Vu Minh Duc, Vu Hoai Nam. Nonlinear Buckling and Postbuckling Response of Porous FGM Shallow Spherical Caps and Circular Plates with Nonlinear Elastic Foundation Effects Using the Ritz Energy Method. Mechanics of Composite Materials, 60(3), 417-432, (2024). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11029-024-10200-7

21) Vu Minh Duc, Tran Quang Minh, Nguyen Thi Phuong, Vu Tho Hung, Vu Hoai Nam. Nonlinear dynamic responses of CNT-reinforced panels with complex curvature, piezoelectric layer, and CNT-reinforced stiffeners. European Journal of Mechanics-A/Solids, 106, 105341 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1016/j.euromechsol.2024.105341

22) Thi Phuong Nguyen, Thuy Dong Dang, Tien Tu Bui, Minh Duc Vu, Khuong Le-Nguyen, Thanh Hieu Pham, Hoai Nam Vu. Nonlinear thermo-mechanical axisymmetric stability of FG-GPLRC spherical shells and circular plates resting on nonlinear elastic medium. Ships and Offshore Structures, 19(6), 820-830, (2024). https://doi.org/10.1080/17445302.2023.2214489

23) Hoai Nam Vu, Thi Kieu My Do, Minh Duc Vu, Le Ngoc Ly, Nguyen Thi Giang, Nguyen Thi Phuong. Nonlinear thermo-elastic stability of corrugated-core toroidal shell segments with carbon nanotube-reinforced face sheets under radial pressure. Journal of Thermoplastic Composite Materials, 37(6), 2100-2122, (2024). https://doi.org/10.1177/08927057231211220

24) Vu Hoai Nam, Do Thi Kieu My, Vu Minh Duc, Nguyen Thi Giang, Pham Thanh Hieu, Nguyen Thi Phuong. A New Analytical Approach for Nonlinear Global Buckling of Axially Compressed and Tensiled Sandwich Toroidal Shell Segments with CNTRC Coatings and Corrugated Core in Thermal Environment. International Journal of Applied Mechanics, 16(02), 2450021, (2024). https://doi.org/10.1142/S1758825124500212

25) Tran Quang Minh, Vu Hoai Nam, Vu Minh Duc, Vu Tho Hung, Le Ngoc Ly, Nguyen Thi Phuong. Nonlinear vibration and dynamic buckling responses of stiffened functionally graded graphene-reinforced cylindrical, parabolic, and sinusoid panels using the higher-order shear deformation theory. ZAMM‐Journal of Applied Mathematics and Mechanics/Zeitschrift für Angewandte Mathematik und Mechanik, 104(3), e202300580, (2024). https://doi.org/10.1002/zamm.202300580

26) Do Thi Kieu My, Vu Minh Duc, Nguyen Huu Giang, Nguyen Thi Phuong, Vu Hoai Nam. Buckling and postbuckling of laterally pressured sandwich FG-GRC laminated toroidal shell segments with corrugated core in thermal environment. International Journal of Structural Stability and Dynamics, 24(04), 2450036, (2024). https://doi.org/10.1142/S0219455424500366

27) Thuy Dong Dang, Thi Kieu My Do, Minh Duc Vu, Ngoc Ly Le, Tho Hung Vu, Hoai Nam Vu. Nonlinear torsional buckling of corrugated core sandwich toroidal shell segments with graphene-reinforced coatings in temperature change using the Ritz energy method. Applied Mathematical Modelling, 126, 739-752, (2024). https://doi.org/10.1016/j.apm.2023.11.027

28) Dang Thuy Dong, Tran Quang Minh, Bui Tien Tu, Kim Q. Tran, H. Nguyen-Xuan. Nonlinear thermo-mechanical static stability analysis of FG-TPMS shallow spherical shells. Thin-Walled Structures, 205, Part A, 2024, 112343, (2024). https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tws.2024.112343.

29) Tran Quang Minh, Dang Thuy Dong, Vu Tho Hung, Cao Van Doan, Nguyen Van Tien, and Pham Thanh Hieu. Geometrically Nonlinear Buckling of FG-CNTRC Plates Stiffened by FG-CNTRC Stiffeners Subjected to Combined Loads Using Nonlinear Reddy’s HSDT. International Journal of Structural Stability and Dynamics 24(12), 2450133, (2024). https://doi.org/10.1142/S0219455424501335

30) Ngoc Ly Le, Tien Tu Bui, Thi Ngoc Thu Duong, Thuy Dong Dang, Minh Duc Vu, Thi Phuong Nguyen. Nonlinear thermo-mechanical buckling and postbuckling of sandwich FG-GPLRC spherical caps and circular plates with porous core by using higher-order shear deformation theory. Journal of Thermoplastic Composite Materials, 36(10), 4083-4105, (2023). https://doi.org/10.1177/08927057221147827

31) Vu Hoai Nam, Tran Quang Minh, Pham Thanh Hieu, Vu Tho Hung, Bui Tien Tu, Nguyen Thi Thanh Hoai, Dang Thuy Dong. A new analytical approach for nonlinear thermo-mechanical postbuckling of FG-GPLRC circular plates and shallow spherical caps stiffened by spiderweb stiffeners. Thin-Walled Structures, 193, 111296, (2023). https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tws.2023.111296

32) Dang Thuy Dong, Pham Thanh Hieu, Vu Minh Duc, Nguyen Thi Phuong, Nguyen Van Tien, Vu Hoai Nam. Nonlinear buckling analysis of stiffened carbon nanotube-reinforced cylindrical shells subjected to external pressure in thermal environment. Mechanics of Composite Materials, 59(4), 779-794, (2023). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11029-023-10131-9

33) Hoai Nam Vu, Thi Phuong Nguyen, Si Lanh Ho, Minh Duc Vu, Van Doan Cao. Nonlinear buckling analysis of stiffened FG-GRC laminated cylindrical shells subjected to axial compressive load in thermal environment. Mechanics Based Design of Structures and Machines, 51(7), 3678-3694, (2023). https://doi.org/10.1080/15397734.2021.1932522

34) Ngoc Ly Le, Thi Ngoc Thu Duong, Thuy Dong Dang, Minh Duc Vu, Tien Tu Bui, Thi Phuong Nguyen, Hoai Nam Vu. A novel analytical approach for nonlinear thermo-mechanical buckling of higher-order shear deformable porous circular plates and spherical caps with FGM face sheets. International Journal of Applied Mechanics, 15(5), 2350035, (2023). https://doi.org/10.1142/S1758825123500357

35) Thi Phuong Nguyen, Minh Duc Vu, Thuy Dong Dang, Van Doan Cao, Thanh Hieu Pham, Hoai Nam Vu. An analytical approach of nonlinear buckling behavior of torsionally loaded auxetic core toroidal shell segments with graphene reinforced polymer coatings. Advanced Composite Materials, 32(3), 400-418, (2023). https://doi.org/10.1080/09243046.2022.2110661

36) Nguyen Thi Phuong, Dang Thuy Dong, Cao Van Doan, Vu Hoai Nam. Nonlinear buckling of stiffened FG-GRCL cylindrical panels under axial compression with the uniformly distributed temperature variation. The European Physical Journal Plus, 138, 234, (2023). https://doi.org/10.1140/epjp/s13360-023-03841-5

37) Van Doan Cao, Hoai Nam Vu, Thi Phuong Nguyen. Nonlinear electro-thermo-torsional buckling analysis of stiffened functionally graded graphene-reinforced composite laminated toroidal shell segments. Journal of Engineering Mechanics, 149(2), 04022106, (2023). https://doi.org/10.1061/JENMDT.EMENG-6607

38) Nguyen Thi Phuong, Cao Van Doan, Vu Minh Duc, Nguyen Thi Giang, Vu Hoai Nam. Analytical solution for nonlinear buckling of convex and concave auxetic-core toroidal shell segments with graphene-reinforced face sheets subjected to radial loads. Archive of Applied Mechanics, 93(2), 621-634, (2023). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00419-022-02288-x

39) Vu Hoai Nam, Cao Van Doan, Nguyen Thi Phuong. A new analytical approach to the nonlinear buckling and postbuckling behavior of functionally graded graphene reinforced composite laminated cylindrical, parabolic, and half-sinusoid shallow imperfect panels. Polymer Composites, 44(12), 8928-8945, (2023). https://doi.org/10.1002/pc.27748

40) Nguyen Van Tien, Nguyen Thi Phuong, Vu Minh Duc, Tran Quang Minh, Dang Thuy Dong, Pham Hong Quan, Vu Hoai Nam, Le Ngoc Ly. Nonlinear thermo-mechanical buckling of torsion-loaded cylindrical shells with eccentric stiffeners made from CNT-reinforced composite. Iranian Journal of Science and Technology, Transactions of Mechanical Engineering, 46(4), 1107-1119, (2022). https://doi.org/10.1007/s40997-021-00482-w

41) Nguyen Thi Phuong, Dang Thuy Dong, Cao Van Doan, Vu Hoai Nam. Nonlinear buckling of higher-order shear deformable stiffened FG-GRC laminated plates with nonlinear elastic foundation subjected to combined loads. Aerospace Science and Technology, 127, 107736, (2022). https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ast.2022.107736

42) Vu Hoai Nam, Dang Thuy Dong, Cao Van Doan, Nguyen Thi Phuong. Nonlinear thermo-electro-mechanical buckling of higher-order shear deformable stiffened FG-GRC laminated plates. International Journal of Applied Mechanics, 14(6), 2250051, (2022). https://doi.org/10.1142/S175882512250051X

43) Dang Thuy Dong, Vu Hoai Nam, Nguyen Thi Phuong, Le Ngoc Ly, Vu Minh Duc, Nguyen Van Tien, Tran Quang Minh, Vu Tho Hung, Pham Hong Quan. An analytical approach of nonlinear buckling behavior of longitudinally compressed carbon nanotube‐reinforced (CNTR) cylindrical shells with CNTR stiffeners in thermal environment. ZAMM‐Journal of Applied Mathematics and Mechanics/Zeitschrift für Angewandte Mathematik und Mechanik, 102(4), e202100228 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1002/zamm.202100228

44) Nguyen Van Tien, Vu Minh Duc, Vu Hoai Nam, Nguyen Thi Phuong, Lanh Si Ho, Dang Thuy Dong, Le Ngoc Ly, Dao Hung, Tran Quang Minh. Nonlinear postbuckling of auxetic-core sandwich toroidal shell segments with CNT-reinforced face sheets under external pressure. International Journal of Structural Stability and Dynamics, 22(01), 2250006 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1142/S0219455422500067

45) Dang Thuy Dong, Nguyen Thi Phuong, Vu Hoai Nam, Nguyen Van Tien Le Ngoc Ly, Vu Minh Duc, Tran Quang Minh, Vu Tho Hung, Nguyen Thi Huong Giang. An Analytical Approach for Nonlinear Buckling Analysis of Torsionally Loaded Sandwich Carbon Nanotube Reinforced Cylindrical Shells with Auxetic Core. Advances in Applied Mathematics and Mechanics, 15(2), 7730, (2023). https://doi.org/10.4208/aamm.OA-2021-0201

46) Vu Hoai Nam, Dang Thuy Dong, Cao Van Doan, Nguyen Thi Phuong. Nonlinear buckling of axially compressed FG‐GRCL stiffened cylindrical panels with a piezoelectric layer by using Reddy's higher‐order shear deformation theory. Polymer Composites, 43(11), 7952-7966, (2022). https://doi.org/10.1002/pc.26931

47) Nam V.H., Duc V.M., Doan C.V., Thanh Xuan N.T., Phuong N.T. Nonlinear postbuckling behavior of auxetic-core toroidal shell segments with Graphene reinforced face sheets under axial loads. Archives of Mechanics, 74(2-3), 89-108, (2022). https://doi.org/10.24423/aom.3957

48) Thi Phuong Nguyen, Minh Duc Vu, Van Doan Cao, Hoai Nam Vu. Nonlinear torsional buckling of functionally graded graphene-reinforced composite (FG-GRC) laminated cylindrical shells stiffened by FG-GRC laminated stiffeners in thermal environment. Polymer Composites 42(6), 3051-3063, (2021). https://doi.org/10.1002/pc.26038

49) Nguyen Thi Phuong, Vu Hoai Nam, Dang Thuy Dong. Nonlinear vibration of functionally graded sandwich shallow spherical caps resting on elastic foundations by using first-order shear deformation theory in thermal environment. Journal of Sandwich Structures & Materials, 22(4), 1157-1183, (2020). https://doi.org/10.1177/1099636218782645

50) Vu Hoai Nam, Nguyen Thi Phuong, Dao Huy Bich. Buckling analysis of parallel eccentrically stiffened functionally graded annular spherical segments subjected to mechanic loads. Mechanics of Advanced Materials and Structures, 27(7), 569-578, (2020). https://doi.org/10.1080/15376494.2018.1487608

- PhD/Master

The MAMS group has been supervising PhD and Master's students in areas related to composite structures and advanced material mechanics.

- Members

MAMS brings together researchers from diverse academic and research institutions, fostering interdisciplinary collaboration.