Profile:

Dr. Qian Deng is currently working as a Professor at Huazhong University of Science and Technology. He received his Ph.D. degree from University of Florida. He then spent three years at University of Houston as postdoc before joining in Xi’an Jiaotong University. From 2021, he joined the department of Engineering Mechanics at Huazhong University of Science and Technology. His research interests mainly focus on rational mechanics, multiple physics coupling phenomena, and multiscale modeling methods.

Abstract：

In dielectric materials, due to the flexoelectric effect, a large inhomogeneous deformation can break or significantly alter the inversion symmetry of the material and induce net polarization. Such a phenomenon is distinctive comparing to other forms of electromechanical coupling, such as piezoelectricity and electrostriction, in that it is an intrinsic and universal effect whose strength scales up with the decrease in the sample size. Research works in the past decade indicate that the emergence of flexoelectricity not only provides a new way of realizing electromechanical coupling, but also has impact on multiple fields including smart materials, devices, and even physics. In this talk, I will briefly introduce the field of flexoelectricity and discuss on its future development. Also, current challenges and ambiguities that may impede the further development of the field will be pointed out. Furthermore, I will share some of my opinions on why flexoelectricity matters and how can we use it in novel ways.