Professor at Jilin Communications Polytechnic, China.
Prof. Dr. Lei Zhan is a distinguished material science and vehicle engineering expert with over two decades of experience in both academia and industry. His work focuses on the development and application of lightweight and composite materials in automotive manufacturing. Recognized for his innovation, he has earned numerous national awards and holds a robust portfolio of patents. Currently a professor at Jilin Communications Polytechnic, he continues to advance sustainable and high-performance automotive solutions through collaborative research and technology development.
Professional Profile
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Orcid
🎓 Education
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Ph.D. in Material Processing Engineering, Jilin University, China (2005–2010)
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B.Sc. in Vehicle Engineering, Lanzhou Jiaotong University, China (1997–2001)
💼 Experience
Prof. Dr. Lei Zhan is currently a Professor at Jilin Communications Polytechnic (since January 2024), where he leads research on lightweight technologies for automotive components. From 2010 to 2023, he served as Product Director at Faway Company, contributing to product strategy, technological innovation, and advanced research on automotive components. Earlier in his career (2001–2005), he worked at CRCC as a Product Engineer, focusing on the design and development of subway vehicles.
🔬 Research Interests
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Lightweight alloy materials for automotive applications: synthesis, microstructure control, and mechanical properties
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Development of novel ceramic materials, intermetallics, and cermets
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Combustion synthesis and phase evolution mechanisms in ceramic/metal composites
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Design and integration of composite materials in automotive, aerospace, and machining systems
🏆 Honors and Recognitions
Prof. Dr. Lei Zhan’s contributions to the field have been recognized through various awards and honors:
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First Prize, China National Innovation Method Competition (2019)
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First Prize, Jilin Province Division of the National Innovation Method Competition (2021)
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Second Prize, Outstanding Innovation Achievements of Employees in the Fourth Changchun City (2023)
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May-First Labor Medal, Changchun City (2018)
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Multiple awards for outstanding technological innovation achievements at provincial and city levels
Author Metrics
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Publications: 21 peer-reviewed international papers
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Intellectual Property: 80 applied patents, 69 granted
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Notable Collaborations: NSFC, Jilin Province, Ministry of Education (China)
Top Noted Publications:
The mechanism of combustion synthesis of (TiCₓNᵧ–TiB₂)/Ni from a Ni–Ti–C–BN system
👨🔬 Authors:
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Lei Zhan
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Ping Shen
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Qichuan Jiang
📚 Journal:
Powder Technology, 2011
📊 Citations:
17 citations (as per current database info)
🧪 Abstract (summary of study):
This study investigates the combustion synthesis mechanism for producing ceramic–metal composites of (TiCₓNᵧ–TiB₂)/Ni using a Ni–Ti–C–BN powder system. The research focuses on the reaction pathway, microstructure evolution, and phase formation. It helps clarify how the combustion reaction propagates and forms complex hard phases useful for high-performance materials, particularly for automotive and cutting tool applications.
Conclusion:
Prof. Dr. Lei Zhan is a highly qualified candidate for the Best Researcher Award in Automotive Part Lightweight Research. His sustained contributions across academia and industry, combined with innovation-driven recognition, position him as a leading force in developing sustainable automotive technologies.
With minor enhancements in international collaboration and publication strategy, his already-strong profile could evolve into global leadership in this critical research domain. His nomination is strongly recommended for the award.