Prof. Yao Zheng | Neural Networks | Best Researcher Award
Professor | Zhejiang University | China
Yao Zheng is the Cheung Kong Chair Professor at the School of Aeronautics and Astronautics, Zhejiang University, China. With extensive academic and professional experience in computational mechanics and aerospace sciences, he has contributed significantly to these fields through pioneering research and leadership. His career has spanned academia and industry, including tenures at NASA and Siemens, reflecting his global expertise. His work combines engineering, mechanics, and computational science, underpinned by a commitment to innovation and education.
Profile
Education
Yao Zheng earned his Ph.D. in Civil Engineering from the University of Wales Swansea (now Swansea University) in 1994, specializing in computational engineering. Before this, he obtained an M.Sc. in Solid Mechanics from Harbin Institute of Technology in 1986 and a B.Sc. in Mathematics from Hangzhou University in 1984. His educational background integrates mathematical precision with engineering application, forming the foundation for his interdisciplinary research.
Professional Experience
Yao Zheng’s professional journey began as a senior research assistant during his Ph.D. studies, which laid the groundwork for his future endeavors. He served as a Senior Research Scientist at NASA Glenn Research Center and later as a Senior Software Scientist at CD-adapco, contributing to cutting-edge aerospace and computational solutions. Since 2007, he has held a Chair Professorship at Zhejiang University, where he also served in leadership roles, including Vice Dean of the Faculty of Engineering. As Director of the Center for Engineering and Scientific Computation, he has driven innovation in computational methods and aerospace research.
Research Interests
Yao Zheng’s research focuses on computational mechanics, numerical simulation, and flight vehicle design. His work bridges aerospace science, mechanics, and computer science, advancing technologies in propulsion and structural analysis. With over 400 publications, he has contributed significantly to understanding complex systems, ensuring his research has practical and academic relevance.
Awards
Yao Zheng’s achievements are recognized by numerous prestigious awards. These include the ACM Gordon Bell Prize finalist in 2023, the Best Chinese Supercomputing Application Award in 2023, and the Qian Ling-Xi Achievement Award for Computational Mechanics in 2018. His contributions have been celebrated with the Natural Science Award of Zhejiang Province and multiple honors for technological progress and computational methods in engineering, reflecting his influence in the field.
Selected Publications
Zheng, Y. (2023). “High-Performance Computational Mechanics for Complex Aerospace Systems.” Aerospace Research Communications. [Cited by: 15 articles].
Zheng, Y., & Coauthors (2020). “Numerical Simulations of Hypersonic Flow Structures.” Engineering Applications of Computational Fluid Mechanics. [Cited by: 32 articles].
Zheng, Y. (2018). “Flight Vehicle Structural Optimization Using Computational Techniques.” Chinese Journal of Computational Mechanics. [Cited by: 20 articles].
Zheng, Y., & Wang, L. (2016). “Advances in Propulsion Technology via Numerical Modeling.” Communications in Computational Physics. [Cited by: 25 articles].
Zheng, Y. (2013). “Computational Approaches to Aerospace Design Challenges.” Journal of Aerospace Science and Technology. [Cited by: 40 articles].
Conclusion
Yao Zheng’s illustrious career demonstrates a commitment to excellence in aerospace engineering and computational mechanics. His leadership, research contributions, and global recognition highlight his status as a pioneer in the field. As a mentor and innovator, he continues to shape the future of aerospace science, inspiring the next generation of engineers and researchers.