Ming Zheng

Ming Zheng is a Professor in the Department of Mechanical, Automotive & Materials Engineering at the University of Windsor, Faculty of Engineering. He is the Director of the Clean Combustion Engine Laboratory and holds a Canada Research Chair in Clean Diesel Engine Technologies. He is a Fellow of both SAE and ASME and a Professional Engineer (PEng).

• Education:
  • Ph.D., Mechanical Engineering, University of Calgary, Canada, 1993
  • M.Sc., Thermal Energy and Automotive Engineering, Tsinghua University, China, 1988
  • B.Sc., Mechanical Engineering, Transport Technology Institute, China, 1982
  • PDF, Mechanical Engineering, Hokkaido University, Japan, 1995

Dr. Zheng's research focuses on clean and high-efficiency combustion technologies for internal combustion engines. His key interests include low-temperature combustion (LTC), homogeneous charge compression ignition (HCCI), active flow control aftertreatment for emission reduction, advanced ignition systems (e.g., multi-coil, corona), alternative and biofuels (e.g., ethanol, n-butanol), combustion modeling, diagnostics, and real-time adaptive control. His work aims to achieve simultaneous reductions in NOx and soot emissions while improving fuel efficiency.

The analysis of his recent publications reveals a strong and consistent research trend centered on advanced combustion strategies using alternative fuels like ethanol and n-butanol. His work extensively explores dual-fuel combustion, the impact of fuel injection strategies, and the use of advanced control algorithms (e.g., extremum seeking control) to manage complex combustion processes. A significant portion of his research is dedicated to developing and optimizing active aftertreatment systems, such as Lean NOx Traps, to handle the unique exhaust characteristics of these clean combustion modes.

• Scientific Awards:
  • SAE Fellow (2016)
  • ASME Fellow
  • University Award for Excellence in Research, Scholarship and Creative Activity (2007 and 2005)
  • Canada Research Chair in Clean Diesel Engine Technologies (awarded 2003)

Dr. Zheng has been a prolific advisor, supervising numerous PhD and Master's students on topics ranging from biofuel testing and low-temperature combustion to aftertreatment modeling and control. His research is highly collaborative, supported by significant grants and contracts from government agencies (NSERC, Auto21, CRC) and major industrial partners like Ford, International Truck and Engine Company, and Imperial Oil. He has secured over $2.6 million in cash awards and approximately $2.1 million in-kind contributions since 2003.

Dr. Zheng leads the Clean Combustion Engine Laboratory, a state-of-the-art facility equipped with multiple modern diesel engine test cells (including a Ford common-rail engine and a Yanmar single-cylinder engine), advanced emission analyzers, real-time control systems (FPGA, Can-Bus), and sophisticated diagnostic and modeling tools (LabVIEW, GT-Power, Chemkin, MATLAB/Simulink). The lab specializes in experimental research on combustion, emissions, and aftertreatment, with a focus on active flow control technologies.