Dr Zhennan (Davis) Zhu
PhD, MSc (by Research), BEng, AFHEA
Lecturer in Mechanical Engineering
School of Engineering, Computing and Mathematics
Role
Davis is a Lecturer in Mechanical Engineering in the School of Engineering, Computing and Mathematics at Oxford Brookes University. He received his PhD in Engineering from the University of Sussex in 2023. During his PhD he also worked as a part-time Teaching Assistant, supporting engineering courses delivered both in the UK and overseas. Before joining Oxford Brookes, he was an EPSRC-funded Research Associate at the Sargent Centre for Process Systems Engineering (CPSE), Imperial College London (2022–2024). He then became a UKRI-funded Research Fellow at the Energy and Bioproducts Research Institute (EBRI), Aston University (2024–2026).
Teaching and supervision
Modules taught
Davis has taught and supervised students across engineering dynamics, design and
modelling. His current teaching at Oxford Brookes includes:
modelling. His current teaching at Oxford Brookes includes:
- ENGR4003: Engineering Design and Practice I
- ENGR4011: Basic Dynamics
- ENGR5002: Module Name: Design and Practice II
- ENGR5005: Engineering Mathematics and Modelling II
- ENGR6010: Vehicle Dynamics
- ENGR6013: Engineering Project
- ENGR7015: Advanced Vehicle Dynamics
Research
Davis's research focuses on high-efficiency heating and cooling, energy storage, and low-carbon fuels, combining thermodynamic modelling, experimental measurement and control. His research interests include:
- Thermal-Electrical Energy Storage System
- Supercritical and Transcritical CO 2 Brayton Cycle System
- Linear-Motor Driven Compressor and Low-GWP Refrigerants
- Cascade Heat Pump System for Building Application
- Alternative Fuel and Combustion Technology