Dr. Wai-Fah Chen — a Chinese-born American academic and widely recognized structural engineering specialist in the field of mechanics, materials, and computing — has led a fascinating life. A well-respected leader in the field of plasticity, structural stability, and structural steel design over the past half-century, he has made major contributions in introducing the mathematical theory of plasticity to civil engineering practice, especially in the application of limit analysis methods to the geotechnical engineering field. Having headed the engineering departments at the University of Hawaii and Purdue University, Chen is a widely cited author and the recipient of several national engineering awards, including the 1990 Shortridge Hardesty Award from the American Society of Civil Engineers and the 2003 Lifetime Achievement Award from the American Institute of Steel Construction. 

This book traces the life journey and reflections of Dr. Chen. It presents a remarkable opportunity to understand his personal history and cultural passions: his struggle to achieve the American dream, his life as an eyewitness account to the rise of China, and his career path to establish a solid engineering reputation. Presenting his scientific achievements spanning the last 40 years of his career, readers will thus be privy to his personal thoughts, experiences, and perspectives on these events.

Contents:

The Civil War; The Wisdom of Class 33; The Voyage to America; My Lifelong Companion — Linlin; Academic Career at Lehigh; Academic Life at Purdue; My Life Story; Academic Contributions; Life in Rapidly Changing Times; My Journey in the Rise of China; My Students at a Glance; The Teacher D C Drucker; Transforming the College; On Higher Education Reform in China; My Adviser and I; NTU and I; Kawasaki and I.

Includes:

• A comprehensive overview of the author’s work, which includes significant discoveries and pioneering contributions in engineering science in general and structural engineering in particular

• Contributions from three of Chen’s former distinguished students and colleague on their own careers, contributions, and life journeys and reflections

• An introduction to most of Chen’s former doctoral students on their careers and their life journeys and reflections, with some personal history and life struggles added

• An incentive to new immigrants learning the English language and Western culture, as these are indispensable tools to become a global citizen for an understanding of the world of today and tomorrow

Readership: Undergraduate, graduate, postgraduate, college, and high school students as well as researchers in civil engineering, structural engineering, engineering science, and steel design; engineering students and faculty members.