The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology

Xin Zhang

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Xin Zhang

Current appointments

  • Swire Professor of Aerospace Engineering
  • Chair Professor of Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering
  • Director of Aerodynamics and Acoustics Facility
  • Director of HKUST-HKSI Joint Center for Sports Science and Technology
  • Director of HKUST-Li-Ning Joint Laboratory for Sports Science and Technologies
  • Director of Sports Science and Technology Research Center
  • Associate Director of Low Altitude Economy Research Center

Biography

Professor Xin Zhang holds the position of Swire Professor of Aerospace Engineering at the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology. He received his PhD degree in fluid mechanics from the University of Cambridge, UK, and his BEng in aerospace engineering from the Beijing University of Aeronautics and Astronautics, China. He is a Fellow of the Royal Aeronautical Society and a Fellow of the Hong Kong Institution of Engineers.

Prof. Zhang is primarily engaged in research and development concerning the aerodynamics and aeroacoustics of aircraft, aero engines, unmanned aerial vehicles, and electric aircraft, alongside advanced aero sports technology. He is an authority in aircraft noise, including airframe and propulsion system noise, as well as drone and electric vertical takeoff and landing aircraft (eVTOL) noise. He has advanced the fundamental understanding of noise generation, developed novel and accurate numerical prediction schemes, devised effective methods for noise attenuation, and designed physics-based predictive codes widely used by the industry.

Over a 25-year period, his research led to the establishment of the Airbus Aircraft Noise Technology Centre (ANTC) at Southampton in 2008, which remains Airbus’s only university-based technology center in the world and a major center of excellence in aircraft noise technology. ANTC collaborates directly with Airbus on airframe noise, engine noise, physics-based aircraft noise models, computational aeroacoustics, aircraft interior noise modeling, sound transmission, and noise control. Airbus, a company producing roughly half of the world's aircraft, has integrated the outcomes of Zhang's research into its core design processes. Professor Zhang was the academic in charge of the R.J. Mitchell Wind Tunnel, overseeing collaborations with the aerospace industry, including Airbus and Rolls-Royce and Formula 1 racing teams. He served as the Airbus Professor of Aircraft Engineering and Director of ANTC from 2008 to 2015. Since returning to Hong Kong in 2015, Professor Zhang has spearheaded the development of the Aerospace Engineering program and led the design and construction of state-of-the-art wind tunnels and acoustic facilities at HKUST. His research team of Aerodynamics, Acoustics and Noise Control Technology Centre (AANTC, https://aantc.ust.hk/) works closely with domestic and international aviation sectors, including the drone and eVTOL industries. He has established strong research partnerships with major organizations such as the Aviation Industry Corporation of China (AVIC), the Aero Engine Corporation of China (AECC), DJI, and the Hong Kong Sports Institute (HKSI). Additionally, Professor Zhang serves as the Vice President of the Hong Kong Aviation Industry Association (HKAIA). He is also the Convenor of the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) Joint TC20 SC16-TC43 SC1 Workgroup on Noise Measurement for UAS (Unmanned Aircraft Systems), leading the development of international ISO noise standards for drones.

To date, Professor Zhang has published more than 460 papers, including more than 220 archival journal papers. An innovative and effective educator, he established the world’s first MSc course in racing car aerodynamics. He has successfully supervised nearly 80 PhD and EngD students as the main supervisor, whose alumni now hold prominent positions in academia, the aerospace and automotive industries, government, and other sectors.

Research interests

  • Aeroacoustics, in particular airframe, engine noise, drone and eVTOL noise
  • Aerodynamics, including aircraft aerodynamics, racing car aerodynamics, sports aerodynamics
  • Sports science and technology

Research projects

Publications