In September 2023, the academic monograph Interpolation Matrix Method for Ordinary Differential Equations and Its Mechanical Applications by Professor Niu Zhongrong and his team from the School of Civil and Hydraulic Engineering at Hefei University of Technology was officially published by the University of Science and Technology of China Press. The book was also included in the 14th Five-Year Plan National Key Publication Project.

This book reflects the achievements of Professor Niu’s research team in the field of numerical methods for differential equations and their applications in solid mechanics. Their research has received multiple grants from the National Natural Science Foundation and the Ministry of Education's Doctoral Fund. The book consists of two parts. The first part systematically introduces the Interpolation Matrix Method (IMM), a universal numerical algorithm created by Professor Niu to solve boundary value and eigenvalue problems for systems of ordinary differential equations (ODEs). It explains the theoretical foundation of this method, provides numerous examples, and demonstrates its versatility and computational accuracy in solving various types of ODE systems, including nonlinear and stiff equations.

The second part applies the Interpolation Matrix Method to solve partial differential equations (PDEs) in solid mechanics using a semi-analytical approach. It addresses problems such as analyzing the mechanical field of functionally graded material (FGM) laminated structures, elastic-plastic stress fields in V-shaped notches and crack structures, and singularities in multi-field coupling problems (force, electric, and magnetic fields). This section involves handling nonlinear and singular physical field differential equations.

In addition, Professor Niu has developed the IMM General Solver for ODEs (IMMS) and the IMM Eigenvalue Solver (IMMEI), which are designed to solve boundary value and eigenvalue problems for systems of ODEs with mixed orders. The software and user manuals for these solvers are included with the book. Interested readers can download and use them via the website of the Department of Engineering Mechanics, School of Civil and Hydraulic Engineering, Hefei University of Technology at http://em.hfut.edu.cn/zyxz/list.htm.