• Waves/structure/seabed interactions  

• Sediment transport processes;  

• Physical and numerical modelling of scour around structures (pipelines, bridge piers, subsea structures and coastal breakwaters)  

• Seabed morphology (sand waves; beach erosion and regional erosion modelling)  

• Computational fluid dynamics

Education Experience:

• BE in Hydropower Engineering, Tsing Hua University, China (1978 - 1983)

• ME in Civil Engineering (1983 - 1986), Dalian University of Technology, China  

• PhD in Civil Engineering (1987 - 1990), Dalian University of Technology, China

Work Experience:

• South China University of Technology

  Xinshi Professor (2021-)

• The University of Western Australia

  W/Prof (2006-2021), A/Prof (2002), Senior Lecturer (1999), Lecturer (1995), Research Associate (1992)

• Gifu University, Japan

  Visiting Academic (1990-1991)

Professor Liang Cheng's primary research areas include flow-structure interactions (such as bluff body flows and vortex-induced vibrations), sediment transport (including sediment erosion properties and local scour around structures), and both numerical and physical modelling techniques.  

His work bridges fundamental science aimed at advancing engineering knowledge with applied research that addresses specific technological and engineering challenges. By maintaining a balance between these two aspects, Professor Cheng has gained deep insights into the physical mechanisms underlying complex engineering problems and successfully translated these findings into practical solutions.Professor Cheng has received numerous prestigious accolades, including the Engineering Excellence Award from the Australian Institute of Engineers (2012), the Innovation and Technology Award from Subsea Energy Australia (2012), and the Woodside Oil and Gas Encouragement Award (2011). He was recognized as a High Citation Researcher in Engineering by Thomson Reuters (2013) and elected a Fellow of the Australian Academy of Technological Sciences and Engineering in 2020, reflecting his exceptional contributions to engineering science and innovation.Professor Liang Cheng has demonstrated outstanding leadership in research through his significant contributions to major scientific projects and recognition by esteemed institutions. In the past five years, he has led numerous high-impact research initiatives and received prestigious awards, showcasing his expertise and influence in offshore engineering and related fields.

• Key Technologies for Offshore Wind Farm Construction and Service Safety (2024-2029) Supported by Department of Science and Technology of Science and Technology; funding ¥ 20 million

• Key Technologies for Offshore Wind Farm Construction and Service Safety (2024-2029) Supported by Guangzhou Municipal Science and Technology Bureau; funding ¥ 10 million

• Deepwater Risers and Soil-Structure Interaction Mechanisms (2022–2024) Collaborative project with CNOOC; funding: ¥2.08 million.

• Research Hub for Transforming Energy Infrastructure Through Digital Engineering (2021–2026) Funded by the Australian Research Council (ARC) Linkage Program; grant value: AUD 20 million.

• Scour Mechanisms and Engineering Protection Measures for Offshore Wind Foundations (2021–2024) Collaborative project with China Power Construction Corporation; funding: ¥2.4 million.

• Wake Dynamics of Oscillating Cylinders in Steady Currents (2020–2023) Funded by ARC Discovery; grant value: AUD 420,000.

• Theory of Interface Weakening and Safety in Deep-Sea Soil and Oil/Gas Pipeline Interactions (2019–2023) Funded by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (NSFC); grant value: ¥3.8 million.

• Feasibility Study on Silt Prevention for Underwater Caissons (2019–2020) Collaborative project with CNOOC; funding: ¥613,880.

• Core Technologies for Deep-Sea Resource Development (2017–2020) Strategic International Technology Innovation Cooperation Project under the National Key R&D Program of China; funding: ¥8.14 million.

• STABLEpipe Joint Industry Program Phase 3 (2015–2020) Funded by Woodside Energy Ltd and Chevron Australia Pty Ltd; grant value: AUD 266,000.

His projects seamlessly integrate fundamental research with applied problem-solving, effectively bridging academic advancements and industry needs.

With more than 300 articles and significant contributions to several book chapters, Professor Cheng has profoundly advanced understanding in flow-structure interactions, sediment transport, and offshore engineering design. His widely cited research outputs have been adopted in industry practices globally, underscoring his impactful contributions to both academia and industry.