Core Viewpoint - The passing of Yu Shouwen, a prominent solid mechanics expert and former vice president of Tsinghua University, is a significant loss for Tsinghua University and the fields of mechanics and education in China [1][5]. Group 1: Academic Contributions - Yu Shouwen made substantial contributions to solid mechanics, particularly in fracture and damage mechanics, smart materials, and microscale mechanics, achieving internationally influential and original results [3]. - He published 7 monographs and over 400 academic papers, receiving multiple awards including two National Natural Science Awards and a Special Prize for National Science and Technology Progress [4]. - His research has been incorporated into national standards for safety assessment of defective pressure vessels, providing critical theoretical support for major engineering structures [3][4]. Group 2: Educational Impact - As a professor and doctoral advisor, Yu Shouwen trained numerous outstanding talents, many of whom became academicians and leaders in their fields [4]. - During his tenure as vice president of Tsinghua University, he implemented significant educational reforms, including the credit system and improvements in course construction and academic integrity [4]. - He was a key advocate for the development of engineering education research and certification systems in China, contributing to the country's entry into the Washington Accord [4].

Core Viewpoint - The article announces the passing of Yu Shouwen, a prominent figure in solid mechanics and engineering education, highlighting his significant contributions to academia and the engineering field [1][4]. Contributions to Solid Mechanics - Yu Shouwen provided a complete continuous solution for the stress field at the crack tip of ideal plastic materials and clarified the structure of the crack tip field at the interface of power-hardening dual materials [2]. - He established a new fracture criterion that considers both plasticity and damage dissipation, which has been incorporated into national standards for the safety assessment of defective pressure vessels, providing critical theoretical support for major engineering structures [2]. - His research in micro-crack propagation and damage models led to the development of a three-dimensional mesoscopic damage mechanics theory for quasi-brittle materials [2]. Achievements in Education and Research - Yu Shouwen published seven monographs and over 400 academic papers, receiving multiple awards including two third prizes of the National Natural Science Award and a special prize for scientific and technological progress [2]. - He played a pivotal role in the development of higher engineering education in China, advocating for the establishment of the engineering education certification system and contributing to China's entry into the Washington Accord [3]. Legacy and Impact - His rigorous academic approach and dedication to education resulted in the cultivation of numerous talented individuals, many of whom became leading scholars and academicians [3]. - Yu Shouwen's passing is regarded as a significant loss for Tsinghua University and the fields of mechanics and education in China [4].

Core Viewpoint - The article commemorates the life and contributions of Yu Shouwen, a prominent solid mechanics expert and educator, who passed away on December 5, 2025, at the age of 86, highlighting his significant impact on engineering education and solid mechanics research in China [2][6]. Group 1: Academic Contributions - Yu Shouwen made substantial contributions to solid mechanics, particularly in fracture and damage mechanics, smart materials, and microscale mechanics, achieving internationally influential and original results [4]. - He provided a complete continuous solution for the crack tip field of plane stress type I ideal plastic materials and established new fracture criteria considering both plasticity and damage dissipation [4]. - His research has been incorporated into national standards for safety assessment of defect-containing pressure vessels, providing critical theoretical support for major engineering structures [4]. Group 2: Publications and Awards - Yu published seven monographs and over 400 academic papers, receiving multiple awards including two third prizes of the National Natural Science Award and a special prize for National Science and Technology Progress [5]. - He served as the first Chinese president of the International Society of Fracture from 2013 to 2017 and was awarded the "YOKOBORI Gold Medal" in 2023 for his significant contributions [5]. Group 3: Educational Impact - As a vice president of Tsinghua University, Yu implemented significant reforms in engineering education, including the credit system and curriculum development, and contributed to the establishment of a robust engineering education certification system in China [5]. - He was a key advocate for China's engineering education to join the Washington Accord, receiving the "Global Engineering Education Outstanding Contribution Award" in 2012 [5].