Dr. Han Zhang | Materials Science | Best Researcher Award
Doctor at Northeastern University, China
Han Zhang is a dedicated and skilled researcher in metallurgical engineering, currently pursuing her Ph.D. at Northeastern University, China. Her research focuses on electromagnetic metallurgy, steel refining, and numerical simulation of multiphase flows, with significant contributions to the understanding of tundish flow behavior and inclusion removal. She has authored several high-quality publications in leading international journals, demonstrating both technical depth and innovation. Han is proficient in advanced simulation tools such as OpenFOAM, ANSYS, and Fluent, and actively participates in national research projects and academic conferences. Her strong foundation in both theory and practical application is supported by previous experience in industrial fluid systems and flow metering. While still developing her international collaborations and independent research leadership, Han Zhang shows exceptional potential as a rising researcher. Her work contributes meaningfully to the advancement of high-quality steel production and reflects a high level of academic commitment and technical excellence.
Professional Profile
Education
Han Zhang has a solid academic foundation in metallurgical engineering. She earned her bachelor’s degree from Chongqing University of Science and Technology in 2015, focusing on mineral composition and phase structure analysis in sintered ores. She then completed her master’s degree in steel metallurgy at Northeastern University in 2018, where she studied the behavior of molten steel in tundishes with channel-type induction heating through numerical simulations. Continuing at Northeastern University, she began her Ph.D. in 2020 at the Key Laboratory of Electromagnetic Processing of Materials, focusing on advanced refining and casting technologies. Her doctoral research emphasizes the electromagnetic control of molten steel flow, multiphase modeling, and process optimization. Throughout her academic journey, she has demonstrated consistent excellence in both theoretical understanding and applied research. Her progression from undergraduate to Ph.D. reflects a focused and deepening commitment to solving complex metallurgical challenges using cutting-edge computational and experimental approaches.
Professional Experience
Han Zhang has accumulated valuable professional experience that bridges academic research and industrial practice. From 2018 to 2020, she worked as an Assistant Engineer at the Liaoning Institute of Industrial Fluid Science, where she focused on industrial flow metering optimization and energy-saving technologies. Her work involved the design, manufacturing, and maintenance of flow metering devices, contributing to more efficient fluid systems in industrial operations. Concurrently, she enhanced her technical skills in instrumentation and data analysis, which later supported her doctoral research. Before this role, during her master’s and doctoral studies at Northeastern University, she engaged in multiple funded research projects related to electromagnetic processing and molten metal flow. Her hands-on experience with numerical simulation platforms, fluid modeling, and industrial-scale measurement devices positions her as a researcher with both academic insight and real-world engineering competence. This combination of research and industry exposure enables her to approach metallurgical challenges with practical and impactful solutions.
Research Interest
Han Zhang’s research interests lie in the interdisciplinary fields of metallurgical engineering, electromagnetic processing, and computational modeling. Her primary focus is on the behavior of molten steel during secondary refining and continuous casting, especially under the influence of electromagnetic fields. She investigates flow characteristics, inclusion behavior, and residence time distribution (RTD) within tundishes and reactors using advanced multiphase modeling techniques such as Euler-PBM coupling. She also explores intelligent alloy prediction and process control using machine learning and high-performance computing. Her studies aim to improve steel cleanliness, casting efficiency, and product quality in high-grade steel manufacturing. In addition, Han is skilled in using simulation platforms like OpenFOAM, ANSYS Fluent, and CFX for modeling fluid flow and heat transfer, which support her innovative approaches in virtual process optimization. Her work is both theoretically rich and industrially relevant, reflecting a strong alignment with current and emerging challenges in the steel industry.
Award and Honor
While specific awards and honors are not detailed in the available profile, Han Zhang’s achievements are reflected through her active involvement in prestigious national research projects and high-quality journal publications. She has contributed to major funded research supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China and central university grants, which indicates recognition of her academic capabilities and research potential. Her inclusion as a first or co-author in respected journals such as Steel Research International and Metallurgical and Materials Transactions B highlights her scientific merit. Participation in international conferences and symposia further reflects her recognition in the academic community. Additionally, she holds the National Computer Proficiency Certificate (Level 2), and her consistent academic progression and technical excellence suggest strong internal recognition within her institution. Though no individual accolades are listed, her publication record and research leadership stand as honors in themselves, positioning her as a promising candidate for future academic and industry awards.
Conclusion
Han Zhang is an emerging talent in metallurgical engineering, combining strong academic training, practical industry experience, and a research focus aligned with pressing technological needs in steel production. Her work on electromagnetic processing, inclusion removal, and molten metal behavior demonstrates deep technical understanding and innovative problem-solving skills. With multiple first-author publications in high-impact journals, participation in national-level research, and a firm command of simulation technologies, she stands out as a capable and driven researcher. While she continues to build her international profile and independent leadership, her achievements thus far mark her as a strong candidate for research awards and academic recognition. Her dual strengths in computation and practical engineering provide her with a unique edge in advancing both the science and industry of metallurgy. Han Zhang is well-positioned to contribute significantly to the future of high-performance materials processing and is a valuable asset to any academic or research institution.
Publications Top Notes
1. Two‑Way PBM–Euler Model for Gas and Liquid Flow in the Ladle
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Title: Two‑Way PBM–Euler Model for Gas and Liquid Flow in the Ladle
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Journal: Materials
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DOI: 10.3390/ma16103782
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Published Date: May 17, 2023
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Citations: 2–3 (based on public sources like ResearchGate and Google Scholar)
2. Deep Insight into the Pinch Effect in a Tundish with Channel‑Type Induction Heater
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Title: Deep Insight into the Pinch Effect in a Tundish with Channel‑Type Induction Heater
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Journal: Steel Research International
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Published Date: September 2022
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Citations: Exact count not publicly listed, but cited in subsequent related works