Research Interests:
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Zhifen Zhang’s research interests lie at the intersection of advanced monitoring technologies and intelligent manufacturing processes. With a focus on metal processing, her work spans laser welding, laser shock peening, machining, and additive manufacturing. Dr. Zhang specializes in the integration of acoustic, optical, and thermal infrared sensing techniques to develop innovative monitoring systems. She is particularly interested in the fusion of heterogeneous information sources and the application of explainable deep learning methods in manufacturing. Her research addresses critical challenges in defect detection, residual stress characterization, and stability evaluation, with implications for aerospace components and the broader manufacturing industry. Dr. Zhang’s interdisciplinary approach and commitment to innovation contribute to advancements in quality control and process optimization, ensuring the reliability and efficiency of manufacturing operations.