Jiayao Ma
Ma Jiayao
Professor, PhD Supervisor
National Science Fund for Excellent Young Scholar
Email: jiayao.ma@tju.edu.cn
Office: Room 223, Building 37
 
Academic Qualifications

2007.10-2011.05 DPhil (PhD) in Engineering Science, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
2003.09-2007.06 BEng in Civil Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
 
Academic Experiences

2022.6-Present Professor, School of Mechanical Engineering, Tianjin University, China
2015.10-2022.6 Associate Professor, School of Mechanical Engineering, Tianjin University, China
2011.08-2015.09 Post-Doctoral Research Assistant, Department of Engineering Science, University of Oxford, UK
 
Research Interests

Origami structures, Deployable structures, Thin-walled energy absorption devices, Minimally invasive medical foldables
 
 
Honor

2026.06，First Prize in Natural Science (ranked 2nd), Outstanding Research Achievements Award, MOE, 2025
 
Projects

  • 2016.01-2019.12, Fundamental theory and rigid-flexible transformation principle of deployable braided mechanism for precise minimally invasive surgical instrument, funded by NSFC, project No. 51575377, principle investigator.
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    Representative Works
     
    Book Sections
    1. Yang X, Zang S, Ma, J, Chen Y. Elastic buckling of thin-walled cylinders with pre-embedded diamond patterns, in Origami^7, edited by Lang RJ, Bolitho M, and You Z, 2018.
    2. Ma, J. and You, Z. (2011), The origami crash box, in Origami^5, edited by Wang-Iverson P, Lang RJ, and Yim M, 2011.
     
    Journal Papers
    As first or corresponding authors:
    1. Sibo Chai#, Tianshu Wang#, Kaili Xi, Jiayao Ma*, Yan Chen*. Design of a one-DOF rigid-foldable wrapping origami pattern. International Journal of Mechanical Sciences, 2026, 309, 111009.
    2. Xiaochen Yang, Jiayao Ma*, Yan Chen. A straw-inspired statically balanced compliant torque coupling. Mechanical Sciences, 2025, 16(2): 831-849.
    3. Weiqi Liu#, Chunlong Wang#, Xiaohang Sun, Hongwei Guo, Jiayao Ma*, Yan Chen*. Origami-Inspired Structural Design for Aquatic-Terrestrial Amphibious Robots. Advanced Robotics Research, 2025, 0, e202500171.
    4. Zhenhao Jia#, Jiayao Ma#*, Yan Chen*. A Multimode Soft Robot Based on a Single Braided Tube. Advanced Intelligent Systems, 2025, e202500777.
    5. Kaili Xi#, Xiaoyi Jiang#, Dechen Zhao, Guimin Chen, Jiayao Ma*, Yan Chen*. Design and visualization of a hierarchical metamaterial with tunable stiffness. Research. 2025, 8:0874.
    6. Yan Chen, Kaili Xi, Xiao Zhang, Zhong You, Ming Li, Jiayao Ma*. A family of multi-stable mechanisms based on the threefold-symmetric Bricard linkage. Fundamental Research. 2025.
    7. Mengyue Li#, Jiayao Ma#, Xiao-Lei Tang, Yan-Feng Wang*, Yan Chen*. Double-Tubular Origami Metamaterials with Independently Programmable and Tunable Mechanical and Acoustic Properties. Composites Part B: Engineering. 2025, 112804.
    8. Chuhan Xu#, Jiayao Ma#, Lei Fu, Xinmeng Liu, Lei Zhang*, Yan Chen*. An ultra-fast rolling double-helical robot driven by constant humidity. Advanced Science. 2025, 2500577.
    9. Xiaochen Yang#, Weiqiang Zhao#, Jiayao Ma#, Lei Fu, Xinmeng Liu, Chuhan Xu, Zhiming Hu, Jiuan Lv, Yan Chen*, Lei Zhang*. Threefold Möbius machine. Advanced Functional Materials. 2025, 202420815.
    10. Yuanqing Gu#, Zhibo Wei#, Guowu Wei, Zhong You, Jiayao Ma*, Yan Chen*. Kirigami-inspired three-dimensional metamaterials with programmable isotropic and orthotropic thermal expansion. Advanced Materials. 2024, 2411232.
    11. Sibo Chai, Zhou Hu, Yan Chen, Zhong You, Jiayao Ma*. Programmable multi-stability of curved-crease origami structures with travelling folds. Journal of the Mechanics and Physics of Solids. 2024, 193: 105877.
    12. Mengyue Li, Rui Peng, Jiayao Ma*, Yan Chen*. Programming the mechanical properties of double-corrugated metamaterials by varying mountain-valley assignments. Philosophical Transactions A, 2024, 382(2283): 20240004.
    13. Houhua Chen#, Sibo Chai#, Jiayao Ma*. Energy absorption of the kirigami-inspired pyramid foldcore sandwich structures under low-velocity impact. International Journal of Mechanical Sciences, 2024. 284: 109774.
    14. Mengyue Li#, Houhua Chen#, Jiayao Ma*, Yan Chen*. An origami metamaterial with distinct mechanical properties in three orthotropic directions. International Journal of Mechanical Sciences, 2024, 283: 109713.
    15. Zihe Liang#, Sibo Chai#, Qinyun Ding, Kai Xiao, Ke Liu, Jiayao Ma*, Jaehyung Ju*. Residual stress-driven non-euclidean morphing in origami structures. Advanced Intelligent Systems, 2024, 2400246.
    16. Kaili Xi#, Sibo Chai#, Jiayao Ma*, Yan Chen*. Multi-stability of the extensible origami structures. Advanced Science, 2023, 10(29): 2303454.
    17. Mengyue Li, Zhiyong Zhou, Baoxin Hao, Chenfan Yu, Yan Chen, Jiayao Ma*. Design and deformation analysis of an inflatable metallic cylinder based on the Kresling origami pattern. Thin-Walled Structures, 2023, 188: 110859.
    18. Shixi Zang#, Jiayao Ma#, Zhong You, Yan Chen*. Deformation characteristics and mechanical properties tuning of a non-rigid square-twist origami structure with rotational symmetry. Thin-Walled Structures, 2022, 179: 109570.
    19. Lei Fu#, Weiqiang Zhao#, Jiayao Ma#, Mingyuan Yang, Xinmeng Liu, Lei Zhang*, Yan Chen*. A humidity-powered soft robot with fast rolling locomotion. Research, 2022, 2022: 9832901.
    20. Jinrui Yu, Jiayao Ma*. Design and shear analysis of an angled morphing wing skin module. Applied Sciences, 2022, 12(6): 3092.
    21. Jiayao Ma, Sibo Chai, Yan Chen*. Geometric design, deformation mode, and energy absorption of patterned thin-walled structures. Mechanics of Materials, 2022, 168: 104269.
    22. Jiayao Ma#, Shixi Zang#, Yan Chen*, Zhong You*. The tessellation rule and properties programming of origami metasheets built with a mixture of rigid and non-rigid square-twist patterns. Engineering, 2022, 17(10): 82-92.
    23. Jiayao Ma#, Xiaoyi Jiang#, Yan Chen*. A 3D modular meta-structure with continuous mechanism motion and bistability. Extreme Mechanics Letters, 2022, 51: 101584.
    24. Jiayao Ma, Huaping Dai, Sibo Chai, Yan Chen*. Energy absorption of sandwich structures with a kirigami-inspired pyramid foldcore under quasi-static compression and shear. Materials & Design, 2021, 206: 109808.
    25. Xiaowen Yin#, Xiaomin Hu#, Tong Li*, Jiayao Ma*. A new ring stent with graded geometry for treating coarctation of curved aorta arteries. Journal of Mechanics in Medicine and Biology, 2021, 21(02): 2150014.
    26. Shuxin Wang, Xiaochen Yang, Yan Chen, Jiayao Ma*. A theoretical design of a bellow-shaped statically balanced compliant mechanism. Mechanism and Machine Theory. 2021, 161: 104295.
    27. Jiayao Ma#, Shixi Zang#, Huijuan Feng, Yan Chen*, Zhong You. Theoretical characterization of a non-rigid-foldable square-twist origami for property programmability. International Journal of Mechanical Sciences, 2021, 189: 105981.
    28. Jiayao Ma#, Huijuan Feng#, Yan Chen*, Degao Hou, Zhong You*. Folding of tubular waterbomb. Research, 2020, 2020: 1735081.
    29. Lin Yuan, Huaping Dai, Jichao Song, Jiayao Ma*, Yan Chen. The behavior of a functionally graded origami structure subjected to quasi-static compression. Materials & Design, 2020, 189: 108494.
    30. Tanmoy Mukhopadhyay#, Jiayao Ma#, Huijuan Feng, Degao Hou, Joseph M. Gattas, Yan Chen*, Zhong You*. Programmable stiffness and shape modulation in origami materials: Emergence of a distant actuation feature. Applied Materials Today, 2020, 19: 100537.
    31. Zufeng Shang, Jiayao Ma*, Zhong You, Shuxin Wang*. A foldable manipulator with tunable stiffness based on braided structure. Journal of Biomedical Materials Research Part B-Applied Biomaterials, 2020, 108(2): 316-325.
    32. Zufeng Shang, Jiayao Ma*, Zhong You, Shuxin Wang*. Lateral indentation of a reinforced braided tube with tunable stiffness. Thin-walled Structures, 2020, 149: 106608. 
    33. Lin Yuan, Haoyuan Shi, Jiayao Ma*, Zhong You. Quasi-static impact of origami crash boxes with various profiles. Thin-walled Structures, 2019, 141: 435-446. 
    34. Zufeng Shang, Jiayao Ma*, Jinhua Li, Zemin Zhang, Guokai Zhang, Shuxin Wang*. Self-forcing mechanism of the braided tube as a robotic gripper. Journal of Mechanisms and Robotics, 2019, 11(5): 051002.
    35. Jiayao Ma, Huaping Dai, Mengyan Shi, Lin Yuan*, Yan Chen, Zhong You. Quasi-static axial crushing of hexagonal origami crash boxes as energy absorption devices. Mechanical Sciences, 2019, 10(1): 133-143.
    36. Lin Yuan, Jiayao Ma*, Zhong You. Energy absorption capability of origami automobile bumper system. Proceedings of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers, Part C: Journal of Mechanical Engineering Science, 2019, 233(18): 6577-6587.
    37. Ting-Uei Lee, Xiaochen Yang, Jiayao Ma*, Yan Chen, Joseph M. Gattas. Elastic buckling shape control of thin-walled cylinder using pre-embedded curved-crease origami patterns. International Journal of Mechanical Sciences, 2019, 151: 322-330.
    38. Zufeng Shang, Shuxin Wang, Zhong You, Jiayao Ma*. A hybrid tubular braid with improved longitudinal stiffness for medical catheter. Journal of Mechanics in Medicine and Biology, 2019, 19(3): 1950003.
    39. Jiayao Ma#, Jichao Song#, Yan Chen*. An origami-inspired structure with graded stiffness. International Journal of Mechanical Sciences, 2018, 136: 134-142.
    40. Jiayao Ma, Degao Hou, Yan Chen*, Zhong You. Peak stress relief of cross folding origami. Thin-walled Structures, 2018, 123: 155-161.
    41. Jiayao Ma, Degao Hou, Yan Chen*, Zhong You. Quasi-static axial crushing of thin-walled tubes with a kite-shape rigid origami pattern: numerical simulation. Thin-walled Structures, 2016, 100: 38-47.
    42. Jiayao Ma, Zhong You*, Thomas Peach, James Byrne, Rafik R. Rizkallah. A new flow diverter stent for direct treatment of intracranial aneurysm. Journal of Biomechanics, 2015, 48(16): 4206-4213.
    43. Jiayao Ma, Zhong You*. Energy absorption of thin-walled square tubes with a prefolded origami pattern part I: geometry and numerical simulation. Journal of Applied Mechanics, 2014, 81(1): 011003.
    44. Jiayao Ma, Zhong You*, James Byrne, Rafik R. Rizkallah. Design and mechanical properties of a novel cerebral flow diverter stent. Annals of Biomedical Engineering, 2014, 42(5): 960-970.
    45. Jiayao Ma, Zhong You*. Energy absorption of thin-walled beams with a pre-folded origami pattern. Thin-walled Structures, 2013, 73: 198-206.
     
    As co-author:
    1. Weiqi Liu#, Qun Ren#, Yunjie Wang, Zhuang Zhang, Xiuyu Wang, Yongshan Liang, Hao Huang, Jiayao Ma, Hanqing Jiang*, Yan Chen*. Reconfigurable modular origami for tunable 2D symmetry groups. Science Advances, 2025, 11, eady3812.
    2. Yuanqing Gu, Li Wen, Jiayao Ma, Xiao Zhang, Zhong You, Yan Chen*. One-DOF hexagonal thick-panel origami with uniform thickness, flat deployable surface and compact folding. Mechanism and Machine Theory, 2025, 217: 106252.
    3. Kaili Xi, Jingsong Wei, Xiao Zhang*, Jiayao Ma, Zhong You, Changqing Chen, Yan Chen*. A kinematically Bifurcated Metamaterial for Integrated Logic Operation and Computing. Advanced Science. 2025, e09829.
    4. Zhenchao Ling, Aihu Jia, Yunlong Fu, David T. Branson, Zhibin Song, Jiayao Ma, Jian S. Dai, Rongjie Kang. Fluidic Oscillation-Based Pneumatic Actuation for Soft Locomotion and Grasping. Soft Robotics. 2025, 12(2):290-301.
    5. Hao Zhang, Suqian Ma*, Chuhan Xu, Jiayao Ma, Yan Chen, Yong Hu, Hui Xu, Zhaohua Lin, Yunhong Liang*, Lei Ren*, Luquan Ren. Soft actuator with biomass porous electrode: a strategy for lowering voltage and enhancing durability. Nano Letters, 2024, 24(16):5066-5074.
    6. Keyao Song, Han Li, Yang Li, Jiayao Ma, Xiang Zhou*. A review of curved crease origami: design, analysis, and applications. Frontiers in Physics, 2024, 12:1393435.
    7. Zufeng Shang, Jiayao Ma. Bending stiffness characterization of braided stent using spring-based theoretical formula. Archive of Applied Mechanics, 2023, 93(3):947-960. 
    8. Kailun Huang, Jiayao Ma, Xiang Zhou*, Hai Wang. Quasi-static mechanical properties of origami-inspired cellular metamaterials made by metallic 3D printing. Mechanics of Advanced Materials and Structures, 2023, 30(21): 4459-4472.
    9. Xiao Zhang, Jiayao Ma, Mengyue Li, Zhong You, Xiaoyan Wang, Yu Luo, Kaixue Ma, Yan Chen*, Kirigami-based Metastructures with Programmable Multistability. Proceedings of National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America, 2022, 119(11): e2117649119.
    10. Fufu Yang, Miao Zhang, Jiayao Ma, Zhong You, Ying Yu, Yan Chen*, Glaucio H. Paulino*. Design of single degree-of-freedom triangular resch patterns with thick-panel origami. Mechanism and Machine Theory. 2022, 169: 104650.
    11. Huijuan Feng, Rui Peng, Shixi Zang, Jiayao Ma, Yan Chen*. Rigid foldability and mountain-valley crease assignments of square-twist origami pattern. Mechanism and Machine Theory, 2020, 152: 103947.
    12. Huijuan Feng#, Weilin Lv#, Jiayao Ma, Wenwu Chang, Yan Chen*, Jianshan Wang. Helical structures with switchable and hierarchical chirality. Applied Physics Letters, 2020, 116(19): 194102.
    13. Haitao Ye, Xiang Zhou*, Jiayao Ma, Hai Wang, Zhong You. Axial crushing behaviors of composite pre-folded tubes made of KFRP/CFRP hybrid laminates. Thin-walled Structures, 2020, 149: 106649.
    14. Haitao Ye, Jiayao Ma, Xiang Zhou*, Hai Wang, Zhong You. Energy absorption behaviors of pre-folded composite tubes with the full-diamond origami patterns. Composite Structures, 2019, 221: 110904.
    15. Xuesong Chen, Huijuan Feng, Jiayao Ma, Yan Chen*. A plane linkage and its tessellation for deployable structure. Mechanism and Machine Theory, 2019, 142: 103605.
    16. Huijuan Feng, Rui Peng, Jiayao Ma, Yan Chen*. Rigid foldability of generalized triangle twist origami pattern and its derived 6R linkages. Journal of Mechanisms and Robotics, 2018, 10(5): 051003.
    17. Huijuan Feng, Jiayao Ma, Yan Chen*, Zhong You. Twist of tubular mechanical metamaterials based on waterbomb origami. Scientific Reports, 2018, 8: 9522.
    18. Rui Peng, Jiayao Ma, Yan Chen*. The effect of mountain-valley folds on the rigid foldability of double corrugated pattern. Mechanism and Machine Theory, 2018, 128: 461-474.
    19. Caihua Zhou, Bo Wang*, Jiayao Ma, Zhong You. Dynamic axial crushing of origami crash boxes. International Journal of Mechanical Sciences, 2016, 118: 1-12.