• My research lies at the intersection of Applied Mechanics, Ocean Engineering, and Advanced Manufacturing. I focus on decoding the multiphysics instability of slender structures—specifically submarine power cables and flexible risers—to ensure the reliability of the global Net Zero energy transition.

Currently a Postdoctoral Researcher at Ghent University, I am pioneering a hybrid approach that combines thermo-mechanical coupled modelling with novel experimental frameworks (leveraging additive manufacturing and tomography). My work aims to unravel complex phenomena such as topological mode transitions and contact-driven hysteresis in hierarchical helical systems. By integrating theoretical depth with industrial relevance, I strive to advance the fundamental understanding of how critical marine infrastructure behaves in deep-water environments.

• I hold a PhD degree in the Mechanical, Materials and Maritime Engineering Department (3ME) at Delft University of Technology (TUD), supervised by Prof. Hans Hopman and Dr. Xiaoli Jiang. My PhD project addressed:

  An effective modelling method based on multi-scale analysis

  Initial residual contact stresses among the interfaces in power cables

  Stick-slip issue among interfaces

  Multi-physical study based on the proposed model

• I received my master’s degree in the College of Civil Engineering at Zhejiang University in 2019, supervised by Prof. Yong Bai. My master project addressed:

  Development of a constitutive model for fiber glass reinforced flexible pipes

  Fracture analysis of fibreglass flexible pipes

  Torsion strength of unbonded steel strip flexible pipes

  Stick-slip issue among interfaces in unbonded flexible pipes

Research interests

Multi-scale analysis, Solid structures, Composite structures, Fracture analysis, Computational mechanics, Finite element analysis, Multi-physical analysis

Selected works

1. Fang, Pan, et al. “Thermo-electro-mechanical bending of submarine power cables.” Engineering Structures 351 (2026): 121956.
2. Fang, Pan, et al. “Development of an effective modeling method for the mechanical analysis of three-core submarine power cables under tension.” Engineering Structures 317 (2024): 118632.
3. Fang, Pan, et al. “Bending study of submarine power cables based on a repeated unit cell model.” Engineering Structures 293 (2023): 116606.
4. Fang, Pan, et al. “Mechanical responses of a fiberglass flexible pipe subject to tension & internal pressure.” Thin-Walled Structures 181 (2022): 110107.
5. Fang, Pan, et al. “Methods for the local mechanical analysis of submarine power cables: A systematic literature review.” Marine Structures 101 (2025): 103763.