From April 14 to 17, six students from Xi'an Jiaotong University's Mechanics Honors Program and Strengthened Foundation Program, led by Professors Zhang Yahong and Cai Xiaobing, competed in the 20th International Engineering Mechanics Competition held at the Belarusian State University of Transport. The contest, conducted entirely in English, drew 108 participants from 22 universities worldwide, including Tsinghua University, Zhejiang University, and Harbin Institute of Technology. The XJTU team won one First Prize (tied with Tsinghua University) and one Second Prize in the team competition, plus one Second Prize, two Third Prizes, and three Excellence Awards in the individual competition, earning a team Third Prize overall.

Professor Zhang Yahong served on the competition jury, taking part in grading, solution explanation, and student Q&A. Both faculty supervisors also led students on a lab tour and classroom observation at the host university. The team's preparation was coordinated by the National Demonstration Center for Experimental Mechanics Education, with Professors Zhang Yahong and Liu Jie providing tailored training, intensive mock exercises, and individualized coaching.

The achievement reflects the School of Aerospace Engineering's commitment to using disciplinary competitions to strengthen students' theoretical foundations and practical skills.