Hayoung Chung

Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology

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About

Hayoung Chung is a rising force in computational mechanics and materials design, whose work bridges the gap between molecular-scale physics and macroscopic structural optimization. Her research centers on three interconnected areas: the mechanics of stimuli-responsive soft materials, robust design under uncertainty, and finite-strain thermoelasticity. Chung’s most cited work, a 2023 study on thermoelastic compliances considering finite strain (12 citations), provides foundational insights into how materials behave under large deformations and temperature changes—critical for next-generation aerospace and biomedical devices. She is also known for pioneering multiscale modeling of photoresponsive polymers, where her 2021 study combined coarse-grained molecular dynamics with finite-element analysis to simulate light-activated deformation in azobenzene-containing liquid crystalline polymers. This work directly supports the development of contactless soft robots, eliminating the need for separate actuation components. Most recently, in 2025, Chung addressed the practical challenge of manufacturing variability by developing robust topology optimization for piezoelectric actuators under material property uncertainties—a key step toward reliable micro-robotic systems. Her research is distinguished by its integration of physics-based modeling with engineering design, offering a clear pathway from fundamental material behavior to real-world device performance.