Professor Duan obtained his Bachelor of Science degree in theoretical and applied mechanics at Peking University. He earned his Master of Science and Doctor of Philosophy degrees in mechanical engineering at the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor.
Professor Duan’s primary research focuses on modeling and control in manufacturing and aerospace applications for enhanced accuracy, productivity, efficiency, flexibility, intelligence, and safety. In manufacturing applications, he focuses both on physics-based and data-driven modeling of machine dynamics and the manufacturing processes, including machining, additive manufacturing, and incremental forming. Building on the models, his research exploits approaches such as smart controllers, input/output redundancy, advanced trajectory generation methods, and vibration compensation methods to enhance manufacturing performance. In aerospace applications, he focuses on the reduced-order modeling and control of very flexible aircraft and vertical takeoff and landing aircraft, with additional consideration of maneuver/gust load alleviation.