Zekun Zheng Associate Professor
Email：zhengzk18@tsinghua.org.cn
Address：Tsinghua University Changping Research Base, Beijing，China
Education
2018–2023, Tsinghua University, Ph.D. in Aerospace Science and Technology
2014–2017, Beihang University, Master of Engineering in Aeronautical Engineering
2010–2014, Xiamen University, Bachelor of Engineering in Aircraft Power Engineering
Professional Experience
2026–Present, Institute for Aero Engine, Tsinghua University — Assistant Professor
2023–2026, Institute for Aero Engine, Tsinghua University — Postdoctoral Researcher
Research Interests
• Active fuel cooling technologies for aero-engines
• Coking mechanisms of hydrocarbon fuels
• High-efficiency afterburning combustion technologies for variable-cycle engines
• Fuel spray and atomization technologies
Research Overview
His research centers on applied fundamental studies in advanced aero-engine cooling technologies, fuel thermal stability, and fuel atomization and combustion. He has served as Principal Investigator or core team member for multiple national-level projects, including the National Natural Science Foundation of China (NSFC) Youth Science Fund (Category C) and General Program, as well as the National Major Science and Technology Project for Aero-Engines and Gas Turbines. To date, he has authored over a dozen peer-reviewed publications in leading domestic and international journals and conferences, with 13 articles indexed by SCI, and holds 2 granted Chinese invention patents.
Academic Achievements
Selected Academic Publications（last 5 years）
1. Zekun Zheng, Xiaofeng Huang, Xudong Lang, Linyun Hou, Yuxuan Liu, Xinyan Pei. Formation mechanism of carbon deposition on a Venturi surface in swirl combustion environments. Combustion and Flame, 2026, 292: 115196.
2. Zekun Zheng, Jiawei Li, Xinyan Pei, Xiaofeng Huang, Yuxuan Liu, Lingyun Hou. Coupling simulation between coke deposition and heat transfer of aviation kerosene. Journal of Engineering for Gas Turbines and Power—Transactions of the ASME, 2026, 148(7): 071016.
3. Zekun Zheng, Lingyun Hou. Surface deposit formation of sulfur compounds in both air-saturated and oxygen-free aviation fuels. Fuel, 2023, 332(1): 125985.
4. Zekun Zheng, Xinyan Pei, Yafen Wang, Lingyun Hou. Pressure effect on the surface deposition of aviation fuel in heat exchange tube. Energies, 2022, 15(18): 6770.
5. Zekun Zheng, Xinyan Pei, Siqian Yan, Lingyun Hou. Numerical investigation on heat transfer and oxidation deposition of aviation fuel in a rotatory U-channel. Journal of Turbomachinery—Transactions of the ASME, 2021, 143(2): 1–32.
6. Lei Sun, Daixuan Li, Fangliang Wang, Jingyu Wu, Yong Huang, Zekun Zheng, Desheng Qin. Mechanisms of flame stabilization and lean blowout transition governed by turbulent exchange in a swirl-stabilized gas turbine combustor. Fuel, 2027, 429: 141053.
7. Fangliang Wang, Lei Sun, Daixuan Li, Shaolin Wang, Zekun Zheng, Desheng Qin, Yong Huang. Critical droplet diameter for flame stabilization in aero-engine shear layers: a reduced energy–mass balance model. International Communications in Heat and Mass Transfer, 2026, 170: 110004.
8. Lei Sun, Fangliang Wang, Yecheng Song, Kun Wang, Desheng Qin, Zekun Zheng, Yong Huang. A study of pyrolysis reaction mechanisms for two different sustainable aviation fuels certificated by Civil Aviation Administration of China. Journal of Analytical and Applied Pyrolysis, 2026, 193: 107369.
9. Jiang Guo, Mingyu Gao, Zekun Zheng, Lingyun Hou. Experimental study on ethanol-assisted catalytic steam reforming of endothermic hydrocarbon fuel. ACS Omega, 2023, 8(7): 6860–6868.
10. Xinyan Pei, Hongyu Tian, Zekun Zheng, Yafen Wang, Lingyun Hou. Secondary flow effect on supercritical kerosene oxidation deposition and heat transfer in a coiled tube. ACS Omega, 2022, 7(27): 23978–23987.
11. Lei Sun, Yong Huang, Xiwei Wang, Zekun Zheng, Ruixiang Wang, Xiang Feng. Hybrid method based on flame volume concept for lean blowout limits prediction of aero engine combustors. Chinese Journal of Aeronautics, 2021, 34(5): 425–437.
