The 2021 SIMULIA Champions come from locations around the world, as well as from a variety of industries. Several of them have agreed to share their stories about how they are using simulation and what led them to the engineering field.

​​​​​​​Dr. Kai Long is an Associate Professor at North China Electric Power University in Beijing, where he is responsible for both teaching and research. His professional journey began at Beijing Institute of Technology, where he received a Master’s Degree and PhD, as well as pursuing postdoctoral research. In 2010 he began working for North China Electric Power University, and spent time from 2015 to 2016 as a visiting scholar at RMIT University in Melbourne.

Dr. Long is proficient in Abaqus and Tosca Structure, and advises young engineers to become proficient in mechanics and CAE software to advance their careers. He currently teaches a Master’s course in CAE where he introduces students to software such as Abaqus. He suggests that new students of the software try to learn from both mechanical theory and engineering projects.

“My major research is topology optimization,” he explains. “Also I focus on several projects on the lightweight design of various mechanical parts. When I contact with several engineers, I worked in the projects aiming to lightweight design, e.g. the seat in the airplane, support in the satellite and so on.”

One of the aspects of his work that Dr. Long is most excited about is getting research papers published, and he has authored more than 20 SCI publications in high-ranking journals. He is dedicated to his teaching work as well, and wishes to continue to devote his time to his Master’s students in the future.

Dr. Long’s hobbies and interests led him to pursue his current career, and he has gained more expertise, professional application skills, and practical opportunities than he ever expected throughout the course of his work. Outside of work, he enjoys traveling; while at work, he appreciates simulation, particularly Abaqus, for its ability to help him solve nonlinear FEA challenges.

“I love simulation because software such as Abaqus and Tosca Structure facilitates CAE simulation,” he says. “Also the DS company gives me the opportunity to connect real engineering projects.”