Launching ceremony of the International Society of Mechanical System Dynamics Convened in Beijing, China

Abstract

The First General Assembly and the First Session of the First Executive Board Meeting of International Society of Mechanical System Dynamics (ISMSD), the ISMSD Launching Ceremony, the Second International Conference on Mechanical System Dynamics (ICMSD), the Second ICMSD Standing Steering Committee Meeting, the Third Editorial Board Meeting of the International Journal of Mechanical System Dynamics (IJMSD), and the IJMSD Expert Symposium 2023 were held as a series of international activities on mechanical system dynamics, during the period from August 31 to September 4, 2023, at the Wyndham Beijing North, Beijing, China. More than 1000 scientists, engineers, and scholars from nearly 30 countries of six continents, including China, the United States, Canada, Russia, the United Kingdom, Germany, Portugal, Spain, Romania, the Netherlands, Poland, Finland, Italy, Denmark, Australia, Sri Lanka, Israel, Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, Singapore, India, and Japan, attended these meetings. These meetings were attended by 37 members of the National Academy of Sciences/Engineering, seven Presidents/Vice Presidents of international societies, and 18 Editors-in-Chief/Associate Editors of international journals, as well as the Leaders of Jiangsu Provincial People's Government, China Association for Science and Technology, and China National Space Administration. Focusing on the theme of “improving the research and development capability of science, technology, and industry and the mechanical system performance by using mechanical system dynamics.” These meetings and conferences defined new chapters for the future development of the field of mechanical system dynamics.

In order to adapt to the rapid development of global mechanical systems and mechanical system dynamics, nearly 100 well-known scientists and experts from 34 countries of six continents jointly initiated and established IJMSD, ICMSD, and ISMSD, including 46 members of the National Academy of Sciences/Engineering, 34 Presidents/Chairmen of international societies, and 17 Editors-in-Chief of international journals. On the afternoon of September 1, 2023, at the Wyndham Beijing North, Beijing, China, the First General Assembly and the First Session of the First Executive Board Meeting of the ISMSD marked the beginning of the series of international activities (Figure 1A,B). The 67 members of the ISMSD Preparatory Committee from nearly 30 countries of six continents attended the meeting. Among them, 36 members participated in the meeting offline, including 12 members of the National Academy of Sciences/Engineering, six Presidents/Vice Presidents of international societies, and 12 Editors-in-Chief/Associate Editors of international journals; 31 members participated in the meeting online; and four members of the National Academy of Sciences/Engineering attended in person. Prof. Xiaoting Rui, Member of the Chinese Academy of Sciences and the President of the ISMSD Preparatory Committee, hosted the meeting (Figure 2). He pointed out that modern mechanical systems such as automobiles, high-speed trains, ships, airplanes, artificial satellites, and launch vehicles are essential for human prosperity. In fact, the development of mechanical systems has contributed to human civilization, science, technology, and industry. Mechanical system dynamics is the science focused on the laws of motion required to establish the foundation for the analysis, design, manufacturing, testing, evaluation, and utilization of a wide range of technological applications and products. Using accurate modeling, efficient computation, optimal design, and simulation tests, to predict and enhance mechanical-system performance, and for scientific research and technological development, mechanical system dynamics has become a cornerstone for developing modern science, technology, and industry products, including machinery, aeronautics, astronautics, shipping, and transportation industry. Because of its significant role in science and technology, mechanical system dynamics has been the focus of many activities worldwide. On behalf of the ISMSD Preparatory Committee, Prof. Xue Rui, Deputy Secretary-General of the ISMSD Preparatory Committee, prepared an excellent report on the preparatory work of the ISMSD, explaining in detail the important role of mechanical system dynamics, the ISMSD development process, and the preparatory work (Figure 3). The complete, solid, and efficient preparatory work for the ISMSD was highly praised by the participants. It was agreed that the conditions and time were appropriate for establishing the ISMSD. Subsequently, Prof. Zhenghong Zhu, Fellow of the Canadian Academy of Engineering and member of the ISMSD Preparatory Committee, was invited by President Xiaoting Rui to co-chair the approval session of the meeting (Figure 4). After deliberation and on voting by all members attending the meeting of the Preparatory Committee (Figure 5), the Constitution of the ISMSD was approved. The recommended nominations of the First Executive Board, the First Standing Executive Board, the President, Vice Presidents, Secretary-General, and Deputy Secretaries-General of the ISMSD were also approved. Prof. Xue Rui announced the resolution of the First Executive Board of the ISMSD. After being elected as the First President of the ISMSD, Prof. Xiaoting Rui delivered a speech and emphasized that the ISMSD will strive to build a top-class international academic platform to enhance the scientific and technological development in the field of mechanical system dynamics, to enhance the research capabilities of international science, technology, and industry, as well as the performance of mechanical systems, and to promote the application of the most advanced international scientific and technological achievements in the field of mechanical system dynamics for the benefit of mankind. Finally, the members of the First Executive Board of the ISMSD attending the meeting (Figure 6), offered advice, and made recommendations on rapid ISMSD development and shared their vision of the future of the ISMSD.

On the morning of September 2, 2023, the ISMSD Launching Ceremony was held (Figure 7), with Prof. Marco Amabili, Fellow of the Canadian Academy of Engineering and Vice President of the ISMSD, presiding over the ceremony (Figure 8). Prof. Xiaoting Rui, Member of the Chinese Academy of Sciences and President of the ISMSD, first delivered a welcome speech (Figure 9). He pointed out that among the participants, there are not only internationally recognized scientists who have played a major role in the development of important mechanical systems but also that many engineering experts design these systems. They have made and will continue to make history in the field of science and technology, and promote human civilization. The ISMSD aims to build a foundation for international cooperation and exchange of scientific and technological innovation resources for scientists and engineering experts in the field of mechanical system dynamics worldwide. The launch of the ISMSD will be an important milestone in accelerating the development of mechanical system dynamics globally. Subsequently, 33 special guests including the President, Vice-Presidents, Standing Executive Board Members of the First Executive Board of the ISMSD, and 24 members of the National Academy of Sciences/Engineering from eight countries, as well as the leaders of Jiangsu Provincial People's Government, China National Space Administration, China Association for Science and Technology, and China South Industries Group Co., Ltd. jointly pressed the start button for the ISMSD launching (Figure 10): Ms. Ying Xu, Vice Governor of Jiangsu Provincial People's Government; Mr. Guihua Zhang, Secretary of the Secretariat of the China Association for Science and Technology; Prof. Guoping Li, member of the International Academy of Astronautics and Chief-of-Engineer of China National Space Administration; Prof. Xiaoting Rui, Member of the Chinese Academy of Sciences; Prof. Yixin Liu, Member of the Chinese Academy of Engineering; Prof. Zhenghong Zhu, Fellow of the Canadian Academy of Engineering; Prof. Marco Amabili, Fellow of the Canadian Academy of Engineering; Prof. Marian Wiercigroch, Fellow of the Royal Society of Edinburgh; Prof. Wanlin Guo, Member of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Prof. Youwei Du, Member of the Chinese Academy of Sciences; Prof. Shutang Li, Member of the Chinese Academy of Sciences; Prof. Shining Zhu, Member of the Chinese Academy of Sciences; Prof. Haiyan Hu, Member of the Chinese Academy of Sciences; Prof. Zhenguo Wang, Member of the Chinese Academy of Engineering; Prof. Dongxu Li, Member of the Chinese Academy of Sciences; Prof. Longxu Xiao, Member of the Chinese Academy of Engineering; Prof. Shuxing Yang, Member of the Chinese Academy of Engineering; Prof. Meifang Zhu, Member of the Chinese Academy of Sciences; Prof. Yong Jiang, Member of the Chinese Academy of Sciences; Prof. Ning Gu, Member of the Chinese Academy of Sciences; Prof. Ruixiang Fan, Member of the Chinese Academy of Sciences; Prof. Jinsong Leng, Member of the Chinese Academy of Sciences; Prof. Gilbert-Rainer Gillich, Member of the Academy of Technical Sciences in Romania; Prof. Majid Hassanizadeh, Member of the Academia Europaea; Prof. Nimal Rajapakse, Fellow of the Canadian Academy of Engineering; Prof. Li Cheng, Fellow of the Canadian Academy of Engineering; and Prof. Chien Ming Wang, Fellow of the Australian Academy of Technological Sciences and Engineering. Nearly 1000 people witnessed this historic moment. Then, the representatives of the members of the First Executive Board of the ISMSD, Prof. Stefano Lenci, Past-President of the Italian Association of Theoretical and Applied Mechanics; Prof. Reuven Segev, President of the Israel Society for Theoretical and Applied Mechanics; Prof. Majid Hassanizadeh, Member of the Academia Europaea; Prof. Nimal Rajapakse, Fellow of the Canadian Academy of Engineering; and Prof. Marian Wiercigroch, Fellow of the Royal Society of Edinburgh, delivered congratulatory speeches on the launch of the ISMSD (Figures 11-13). Prof. Guoping Li gave a speech, emphasizing that the innovation and development of aeronautics and successful implementation of aerospace research and development, design, production, inspection, launch, operation, and recovery cannot be accomplished effectively without reliance on mechanical system dynamics (Figure 14). Mechanical system dynamics will play a more critical role in promoting the development of future heavy carrier rocket and reusable space transportation systems. Ms. Ying Xu delivered a congratulatory speech, hoping that the ISMSD will strive to build a community that overcomes scientific challenges, drives innovation and development, deepens exchanges and mutual learning, and contributes more to the progress of science and technology and the development of economics and society (Figure 15).

After the ISMSD Launching Ceremony, the Second ICMSD began (Figures 16 and 17). Prof. Caishan Liu, Chair of the Organizing Committee and Organizing Chair for the Second ICMSD, presided over the opening ceremony (Figure 18). Prof. Moubin Liu, Deputy Dean of the College of Engineering, Peking University (Figure 19); Prof. Zhuo Zhuang, Vice-President of the Beijing Society of Theoretical and Applied Mechanics (Figure 20); and Prof. Xu Guo, Vice-President of the Chinese Society of Theoretical and Applied Mechanics, gave congratulatory speeches successively (Figure 21). Mr. Guihua Zhang, Secretary of the Secretariat of the China Association for Science and Technology, also delivered a congratulatory speech on the opening ceremony (Figure 22). Prof. Xiaoting Rui, ICMSD Chair, delivered the opening speech (Figure 23). “Last summer, the First ICMSD was successfully held in Nanjing, overcame the pandemic difficulties, and received strong and active responses from the community. The conference contributed significantly to advancing major relevant scientific research. The Second ICMSD received more than 600 submissions from 204 affiliations in 23 countries, and will have 378 academic presentations. Among them, 11 plenary and keynote lectures are presented by the internationally renowned scientists, including seven members of the National Academy of Sciences/Engineering, or presidents of international societies, or Editors-in-Chief of international journals. It is hoped that the research results presented at the Second ICMSD will promote scientific and technological innovation, and the development of science, technology, and industry by understanding scientific laws of mechanical system dynamics,” as was pointed out by Prof. Xiaoting Rui. Finally, Prof. Rui announced the opening of the Second ICMSD. During the conference, the 11 plenary and keynote lectures summarized the latest advances in mechanical system dynamics, representing the frontier of theory and application of this field, and highlighting future directions for basic theory, interdisciplinary, software development, and engineering applications concerning mechanical system dynamics (Figures 24-34). In particular, the plenary and keynote lectures entitled “Comments on the Universality of Multibody System Transfer Matrix Method for Artificial System” presented by Assoc. Prof. Qinbo Zhou on behalf of Prof. Xiaoting Rui introduced the basic principle of the multibody system transfer matrix method (Rui method) to investigate mechanical system dynamics (Figure 27) and illustrated the essential ideas of extending the Rui method to study the dynamics of various artificial systems, involving mechanics, acoustics, optics, electricity, magnetism, and thermology in order to solve the urgent need for rapid modeling and simulation of artificial system dynamics in the design, manufacture, testing, evaluation, and utilization of these systems. The lecture received positive responses and comments from the participants.

Prof. Wanlin Guo, Member of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, hosted the Second ICMSD Standing Steering Committee Meeting. Prof. Xiaoting Rui, the Chair of the ICMSD Standing Steering Committee, gave a welcome speech. He summarized the characteristics of the international conference at its inception, namely, high academic level, broad development prospects, and extensive interest from the scientific community worldwide. Then, the representative of Peking University, the main organizer of the Second ICMSD, introduced the preparations for the conference. Prof. Gilbert-Rainer Gillich, the member of the Academy of Technical Sciences in Romania, from Babeş-Bolyai University, Romania, the candidate to host the Third ICMSD, presented the proposal for the conference. The members of the ICMSD Standing Steering Committee unanimously approved the proposal for the Third ICMSD host (Figure 35).

Prof. Marco Amabili, Fellow of the Canadian Academy of Engineering and IJMSD Co-Editor-in-Chief, presided over the Third IJMSD Editorial Board Meeting. Two IJMSD editorial board members, Prof. Jinsong Leng (member of the Chinese Academy of Sciences) and Prof. Sheng Liu, co-hosted the IJMSD expert symposium. Prof. Xiaoting Rui delivered welcome speeches at the Third IJMSD Editorial Board Meeting and the IJMSD Expert Symposium, and welcomed the new editorial board members. Prof. Xuping Zhang, the IJMSD Executive Editor, reported the recent progress made by IJMSD. He pointed out that 39% of published papers are contributed by members of the National Academy of Sciences/Engineering, presidents of international societies, Editors-in-Chief of international journals, and their teams. Funded papers accounted for 92%. The IJMSD authors come from 12 countries. So far, 28% of papers have been downloaded more than 1000 times. The maximum downloads of a single paper are nearly 10 000 times. The journal has been indexed by several international important databases. Since IJMSD published its first paper more than 1 year ago, four editorial board members of IJMSD have been elected as members of the National Academy of Sciences/Engineering. All these indicate that first, the editorial board is composed of internationally recognized scientists. They not only contributed as pioneers with important achievements in professional frontiers but also attracted high-quality papers. Second, mechanical system dynamics plays a significant role in changing the world. The IJMSD topics address emerging and critical science and technology issues. Third, the editorial office worked hard to maintain high-quality publication and production of papers and the efforts were recognized, demonstrating also the professional work of an international publisher such as Wiley & Sons In the Third IJMSD Editorial Board Meeting. The appointment of 18 new editorial board members was approved by the IJMSD editorial board (Figure 36). Experts who attended the IJMSD Expert Symposium held extensive discussions about developing a first-class international journal and enhancing its impact and competitiveness (Figure 37).

On the morning of September 4, 2023, Prof. Weihong Zhang, Member of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, presided over the closing ceremony of the Second ICMSD (Figure 38). The Organizing Committee of the conference awarded the Best Paper Award (Figure 39), the Best Poster Award (Figure 40), the Best Presentation Award (Figure 41), and the Grand Contribution Award (Figure 42) of the Organizing Committee of ICMSD 2023. Prof. Xiaoting Rui, the Chair of ICMSD, on behalf of the Standing Steering Committee of ICMSD, announced the decision to select Babeş-Bolyai University as the Third ICMSD host and Prof. Gilbert-Rainer Gillich, Member of the Academy of Technical Sciences in Romania, as the local chair of the conference to be held in September 2025. A video introducing the next conference was shown. Prof. Gilbert-Rainer Gillich discussed the preparations for the Third conference (Figure 43). ‬

Prof. Xiaoting Rui noted in his closing remarks that the ISMSD was officially launched and will become a first-class international platform for scientific and technological innovation and resource sharing, as well as an academia home for a number of scientists and practicing engineers. Finally, Prof. Rui announced the successful closing of the Second ICMSD and wished to see the participants and scientists at the Third ICMSD in Romania in 2025. The closing ceremony marked the successful conclusion of the Second ICMSD (Figure 45). This event will become an important milestone in the development of mechanical system dynamics, helping to enhance the scientific and technological development of the field of mechanical system dynamics and to increase scientific research, technological, and industrial capabilities.