Image of Dr Qian Zhang

Dr Qian Zhang

School of Engineering

Faculty of Engineering and Technology

Email: Q.Zhang@ljmu.ac.uk

Telephone: 0151 904 1396

Dr Qian Zhang is a Reader in Intelligent Systems at the School of Engineering, Faculty of Engineering and Technology, Liverpool John Moores University. He received a PhD degree from the University of Sheffield and a BEng degree from Zhejiang University. Before joining LJMU, he has worked as a Lecturer in Control Engineering at the University of Kent and a postdoctoral researcher at the University of Sheffield. His research interests lie in the areas of robotics and control, data-driven modelling, multi-objective optimisation, and their applications in manufacturing and industrial problems. His research projects range across the fields of autonomous systems and robotics, rail and water transportation, and metal processing.

Languages

English
Chinese (Mandarin)

Degrees

University of Sheffield, United Kingdom, PhD
Zhejiang University, China, BEng

Certifications

University of Kent, United Kingdom, Postgraduate Certificate in Higher Education (PGCertHE)

Academic appointments

Reader, School of Engineering, Liverpool John Moores University, 2022 - present
Senior Lecturer, Department of Electronics and Electrical Engineering, Liverpool John Moores University, 2016 - 2022
Lecturer, School of Engineering and Digital Arts, University of Kent, 2014 - 2016

Highlighted publications

Yuan Z, Liu J, Liu Y, Zhang Q, Li Y, Li Z. 2022. A two-stage modelling method for multi-station daily water level prediction Environmental Modelling and Software, 156 DOI Publisher Url Public Url

Peng G, Sun Y, Zhang Q, Yang Q, Shen W. 2021. A collaborative design platform for new alloy material development Advanced Engineering Informatics, 51 DOI Publisher Url Public Url

Ji K, Zhang Q, Yuan Z, Cheng H, Yu DL. 2021. A virtual force interaction scheme for multi-robot environment monitoring Robotics and Autonomous Systems, DOI Publisher Url Public Url

Zhang Q, Liu X, Spurgeon S, Yu D. 2021. A two-layer modelling framework for predicting passenger flow on trains: A case study of London underground trains Transportation Research Part A: Policy and Practice, 151 :119-139 DOI Author Url Publisher Url Public Url

Yuan Z, Liu J, Zhang Q, Liu Y, Yuan Y, Li Z. 2021. Prediction and optimisation of fuel consumption for inland ships considering real-time status and environmental factors Ocean Engineering, 221 DOI Author Url Publisher Url Public Url

Journal article

Liu Y, Liu J, Liu Y, Zhang Q, Shu J, Zhang Y. 2024. Simulation modelling and analysis of linkage-controlled traffic scheme in Waterway Transport Key Nodes Simulation Modelling Practice and Theory, 134 :102958-102958 DOI Publisher Url Public Url

Liu Y, Liu J, Zhang Q, Liu Y, Wang Y. 2024. Effect of dynamic safety distance of heterogeneous traffic flows on ship traffic efficiency: A prediction and simulation approach Ocean Engineering, 294 :116660-116660 DOI Publisher Url Public Url

Kara-Mohamed M, Zhang Q, Yan X. 2023. Design and Control of an Innovative Overactuated Thrust Vectoring Six-DoF Quadrotor for Extreme and Challenging Environments Unmanned Systems, :1-17 DOI Publisher Url Public Url

Yuan Z, Liu J, Liu Y, Zhang Q, Li Y, Li Z. 2022. A two-stage modelling method for multi-station daily water level prediction Environmental Modelling and Software, 156 DOI Publisher Url Public Url

Peng G, Sun Y, Zhang Q, Yang Q, Shen W. 2021. A collaborative design platform for new alloy material development Advanced Engineering Informatics, 51 DOI Publisher Url Public Url

Ji K, Zhang Q, Yuan Z, Cheng H, Yu DL. 2021. A virtual force interaction scheme for multi-robot environment monitoring Robotics and Autonomous Systems, DOI Publisher Url Public Url

Zhang Q, Liu X, Spurgeon S, Yu D. 2021. A two-layer modelling framework for predicting passenger flow on trains: A case study of London underground trains Transportation Research Part A: Policy and Practice, 151 :119-139 DOI Author Url Publisher Url Public Url

Qian B-F, Gao S-J, Li Q-F, Zhang Q, Wang Y. 2021. A Fast Adaptive Beamforming Algorithm Based on Gram-Schmidt Orthogonalization JOURNAL OF NANOELECTRONICS AND OPTOELECTRONICS, 16 :642-650 DOI Author Url Publisher Url

Yuan Z, Liu J, Zhang Q, Liu Y, Yuan Y, Li Z. 2021. Prediction and optimisation of fuel consumption for inland ships considering real-time status and environmental factors Ocean Engineering, 221 DOI Author Url Publisher Url Public Url

Yuan Z, Liu J, Zhang Q, Liu Y, Yuan Y, Li Z. 2021. A Practical Estimation Method of Inland Ship Speed Under Complex and Changeful Navigation Environment IEEE Access, 9 :15643-15658 DOI Author Url Publisher Url Public Url

Yuan Z, Liu J, Liu Y, Yuan Y, Zhang Q, Li Z. 2020. Fitting Analysis of Inland Ship Fuel Consumption Considering Navigation Status and Environmental Factors IEEE Access, 8 :187441-187454 DOI Author Url Publisher Url Public Url

Yuan Z, Liu J, Liu Y, Zhang Q, Liu RW. 2020. A multi-task analysis and modelling paradigm using LSTM for multi-source monitoring data of inland vessels Ocean Engineering, DOI Author Url Publisher Url Public Url

Liu J, Zhang Q, Liu X. 2020. Understanding handling performance of rugby balls under wet conditions: analysis of finger-ball friction International Journal of Performance Analysis in Sport, DOI Author Url Publisher Url Public Url

Novoth S, Zhang Q, Ji K, Yu DL. 2020. Distributed Formation Control for Multi-Vehicle Systems With Splitting and Merging Capability IEEE Control Systems Letters, 5 :355-360 DOI Publisher Url Public Url

Liu J, Liu X, Zhang Q. 2020. A new training method for leg explosive power in taekwondo and its data-driven predictive models Isokinetics and Exercise Science, DOI Author Url Publisher Url Public Url

Qi H, Shi Y, Tian Y, Mayhew C, Yu DL, Gomm JB, Zhang Q. 2019. A new fault diagnosis and fault-tolerant control method for mechanical and aeronautical systems with neural estimators Advances in Mechanical Engineering, 11 DOI Author Url Publisher Url Public Url

Qi H, Mayhew C, Zhai Y, Wang S, Yu DL, Gomm JB, Zhang Q. 2019. Fault Tolerant Control of Electronic Throttles with Friction Changes Electronics, 8 DOI Author Url Publisher Url Public Url

Spanogianopoulos S, Zhang Q, Spurgeon S. 2017. Fast Formation of Swarm of UAVs in Congested Urban Environment IFAC-PapersOnLine, 50 :8031-8036 DOI Author Url Publisher Url Public Url

Liu X, Carre MJ, Zhang Q, Lu Z, Matcher SJ, Lewis R. 2017. Measuring Contact Area in a Sliding Human Finger-Pad Contact Skin Research and Technology, 24 :31-44 DOI Author Url Publisher Url Public Url

Zhang Q, Mahfouf M, Panoutsos G, Beamish K, Liu X. 2015. Multiobjective optimal design of friction stir welding considering quality and cost issues Science and Technology of Welding and Joining, 20 :607-615 DOI Author Url Publisher Url Public Url

Datta S, Mahfouf M, Zhang Q, Chattopadhyay PP, Sultana N. 2015. Imprecise knowledge based design and development of titanium alloys for prosthetic applications Journal of the Mechanical Behavior of Biomedical Materials, 53 :350-365 DOI Author Url Publisher Url Public Url

Datta S, Zhang Q, Sultana N, Mahfouf M. 2013. Optimal Design of Titanium Alloys for Prosthetic Applications Using a Multiobjective Evolutionary Algorithm MATERIALS AND MANUFACTURING PROCESSES, 28 :741-745 DOI Author Url Publisher Url

Zhang Q, Mahfouf M, Panoutsos G, Beamish K, Norris I. 2012. Knowledge discovery for friction stir welding via data driven approaches Part 1-correlation analyses of internal process variables and weld quality SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY OF WELDING AND JOINING, 17 :672-680 DOI Author Url Publisher Url

Zhang Q, Mahfouf M, Panoutsos G, Beamish K, Norris I. 2012. Knowledge discovery for friction stir welding via data driven approaches Part 2-multiobjective modelling using fuzzy rule based systems SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY OF WELDING AND JOINING, 17 :681-693 DOI Author Url Publisher Url

Zhang Q, Mahfouf M, Yates JR, Pinna C. 2012. Model fusion using fuzzy aggregation: Special applications to metal properties APPLIED SOFT COMPUTING, 12 :1678-1692 DOI Author Url Publisher Url

Zhang Q, Mahfouf M. 2011. A hierarchical Mamdani-type fuzzy modelling approach with new training data selection and multi-objective optimisation mechanisms: A special application for the prediction of mechanical properties of alloy steels APPLIED SOFT COMPUTING, 11 :2419-2443 DOI Author Url Publisher Url

Zhang Q, Mahfouf M, Yates JR, Pinna C, Panoutsos G, Boumaiza S, Greene RJ, de Leon L. 2011. Modeling and Optimal Design of Machining-Induced Residual Stresses in Aluminium Alloys Using a Fast Hierarchical Multiobjective Optimization Algorithm MATERIALS AND MANUFACTURING PROCESSES, 26 :508-520 DOI Author Url Publisher Url

Zhang Q, Mahfouf M. 2010. A nature-inspired multi-objective optimisation strategy based on a new reduced space searching algorithm for the design of alloy steels ENGINEERING APPLICATIONS OF ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE, 23 :660-675 DOI Author Url Publisher Url

Zhang Q, Mahfouf M. 2008. Mamdani-Type Fuzzy Modelling via Hierarchical Clustering and Multi-Objective Particle Swarm Optimisation (FM-HCPSO) International Journal of Computational Intelligence Research, 4 :314-328 DOI Publisher Url

Conference publication

Ji K, Zhang Q, Yu D. 2024. A Virtual Force-Based Strategy for Multi-robot Target Search Advances in Intelligent Systems and Computing, UK Workshop on Computational Intelligence UKCI 2022 1454 :563-575 DOI Publisher Url

Ji K, Zhang Q, Cheng H, Yu D. 2019. A Virtual Force Interaction Scheme for Monitoring Complex Unknown Environments by Autonomous Mobile Robots 2019 18TH EUROPEAN CONTROL CONFERENCE (ECC), 18th European Control Conference (ECC) :95-100 DOI Author Url Publisher Url

Madubuike K, Mayhew C, Zhang Q, Gomm B, Yu D-L. 2019. Fault diagnosis for wind turbine systems using unknown input observer Yu H. 2019 25TH IEEE INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE ON AUTOMATION AND COMPUTING (ICAC), 25th IEEE International Conference on Automation and Computing (IEEE ICAC) :429-434 DOI Author Url Publisher Url

Madubuike K, Mayhew C, Zhang Q, Gomm B, Yu D-L. 2019. Fault diagnosis for wind turbine systems using a neural network estimator Yu H. 2019 25TH IEEE INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE ON AUTOMATION AND COMPUTING (ICAC), 25th IEEE International Conference on Automation and Computing (IEEE ICAC) :435-440 DOI Author Url Publisher Url

Zhang Q, Mahfouf M, Panoutsos G, Beamish K, Norris I. 2013. Systems Modelling of the Internal Process Variables for Friction Stir Welding Using Genetic Multi-Objective Fuzzy Rule-Based Systems DebRoy T, David SA, DuPont JN, Koseki T, Bhadeshia HK. TRENDS IN WELDING RESEARCH: PROCEEDINGS OF THE 9TH INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE, 9th International Conference on Trends in Welding Research :834-841 Author Url

Gaffour S, Mahfouf M, Zhang Q. 2012. Robust nonlinear predictive controller design using Particle Swarm Optimisation (PSO): a case study in speed control of an experimental hot-rolling mill 1st International Conference on Electrical Engineering and Control Applications

Zhang Q. 2011. Wavelet Analysis for Assessing Friction Stir Welding Quality for Aluminium AA5083 The European Congress and Exhibition on Advanced Materials and Processes

Xu X, Banks S, Mahfouf M, Zhang Q. 2011. Simulations of Normal and Abnormal Grain Growth using Two-dimensional Stochastic Cellular Automata The European Congress and Exhibition on Advanced Materials and Processes

Zhang Q, Mahfouf M, Panoutsos G, Beamish K, Norris I. 2011. Multiple Characterisation Modelling of Friction Stir Welding Using a Genetic Multi-objective Data-driven Fuzzy Modelling Approach IEEE INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE ON FUZZY SYSTEMS (FUZZ 2011), IEEE International Conference on Fuzzy Systems (FUZZ 2011) :2288-2295 DOI Author Url Publisher Url

Yang YY, Mahfouf M, Zhang Q. 2011. Optimal Input Selection for Neural Fuzzy Modelling With Application to Charpy Energy Prediction IEEE INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE ON FUZZY SYSTEMS (FUZZ 2011), IEEE International Conference on Fuzzy Systems (FUZZ 2011) :2756-2762 DOI Author Url Publisher Url

Zhang Q, Mahfouf M. 2011. Fuzzy Modelling Using a New Compact Fuzzy System: A Special Application to the Prediction of the Mechanical Properties of Alloy Steels IEEE INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE ON FUZZY SYSTEMS (FUZZ 2011), IEEE International Conference on Fuzzy Systems (FUZZ 2011) :1041-1048 DOI Author Url Publisher Url

Yang YY, Mahfouf M, Panoutsos G, Zhang Q, Thornton S. 2011. Adaptive Neural-Fuzzy Inference System for Classification of Rail Quality Data with Bootstrapping-Based Over-Sampling IEEE INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE ON FUZZY SYSTEMS (FUZZ 2011), IEEE International Conference on Fuzzy Systems (FUZZ 2011) :2205-2212 DOI Author Url Publisher Url

Zhang Q, Mahfouf M, Yates JR, Pinna C, Panoutsos G, Boumaiza S, Greene RJ, De Leon L. 2011. Model fusion via a master fuzzy system with special application to engineering materials IFAC Proceedings Volumes (IFAC-PapersOnline), 44 :11732-11737 DOI Publisher Url

Zhang G, Mahfouf M, Zhang Q, Gaffour SA, Yates J, Soberanis SA, Pinna C, Panoutsos G. 2011. Systems-modelling of compact tension energy in high strength pipeline steel IFAC Proceedings Volumes (IFAC-PapersOnline), 44 :12126-12131 DOI Publisher Url

Mahfouf M, Yang Y, Zhang Q. 2009. Characterisation of Model Error for Charpy Impact Energy of Heat Treated Steels Using Probabilistic Reasoning and a Gaussian Mixture Model IFAC Proceedings Volumes (IFAC-PapersOnline), 2nd IFAC Workshop on Automation in Mining, Mineral and Metal Industry 23 :225-230 DOI Publisher Url

Zhang Q, Mahfouf M, de Leon L, Boumaiza S, Yates JR, Pinna C, Greene RJ. 2009. Prediction of Machining Induced Residual Stresses in Aluminium Alloys Using a Hierarchical Data-driven Fuzzy Modelling Approach IFAC Proceedings Volumes (IFAC-PapersOnline), 2nd IFAC Workshop on Automation in Mining, Mineral and Metal Industry 23 :231-236 DOI Publisher Url

Mahfouf M, Yang Y, Zhang Q. 2009. Modelling Charpy Impact Energy of Heat-treated-steel using Efficient Neural-networks and Genetic-algorithms IFAC Proceedings Volumes (IFAC-PapersOnline), 2nd IFAC Workshop on Automation in Mining, Mineral and Metal Industry 23 :237-242 DOI Publisher Url

Gaffour S, Mahfouf M, Yang Y, Gama M, Zhang Q. 2009. Real-time Implementation of New Nonlinear Neural Adaptive Generalized Predictive Speed Control for an Experimental Hot-Rolling Mill IFAC Proceedings Volumes (IFAC-PapersOnline), 2nd IFAC Workshop on Automation in Mining, Mineral and Metal Industry 23 :243-248 DOI Publisher Url

Yang Y, Mahfouf M, Linkens DA, Zhang Q. 2009. Tensile Strength Prediction for Hot Rolled Steels by Bayesian Neural Network Model IFAC Proceedings Volumes (IFAC-PapersOnline), 2nd IFAC Workshop on Automation in Mining, Mineral and Metal Industry 23 :255-260 DOI Publisher Url

Panoutsos G, Mahfouf M, Zhang Q, Gaffour S. 2009. Input Weighted Data Granulation Using Hybrid Correlation Measures with Application to Metal Properties IFAC Proceedings Volumes (IFAC-PapersOnline), 2nd IFAC Workshop on Automation in Mining, Mineral and Metal Industry 23 :272-277 DOI Publisher Url

Zhang Q, Mahfouf M. 2009. A Modified PSO with a Dynamically Varying Population and Its Application to the Multi-Objective Optimal Design of Alloy Steels 2009 IEEE CONGRESS ON EVOLUTIONARY COMPUTATION, VOLS 1-5, IEEE Congress on Evolutionary Computation :3241-3248 DOI Author Url Publisher Url

Zhang Q, Mahfouf M. 2007. A new Reduced Space Searching Algorithm (RSSA) and its application in optimal design of alloy steels 2007 IEEE CONGRESS ON EVOLUTIONARY COMPUTATION, VOLS 1-10, PROCEEDINGS, IEEE Congress on Evolutionary Computation :1815-1822 DOI Author Url Publisher Url

Zhang Q, Mahfouf M. 2007. Fuzzy predictive modelling using hierarchical clustering and multi-objective optimisation for mechanical properties of alloy steels IFAC Proceedings Volumes (IFAC-PapersOnline), 12 :427-432 DOI Publisher Url

Zhang Q, Mahfouf M. 2006. A new structure for particle swarm optimization (nPSO) applicable to single objective and multiobjective problems 2006 3RD INTERNATIONAL IEEE CONFERENCE INTELLIGENT SYSTEMS, VOLS 1 AND 2, 3rd IEEE International Conference on Intelligent Systems :173-178 Author Url

Mahfouf M, Chen MY, Zhang Q, Linkens DA. 2006. Adaptive weighted particle swarm multiobjective optimisation and societal reasoning for the design of alloy steels IFAC Proceedings Volumes (IFAC-PapersOnline), 1 :130-135 DOI Publisher Url

Zhang Q, Yu T, Ning P. 2006. A framework for identifying compromised nodes in sensor networks 2006 SECURECOMM AND WORKSHOPS, 2nd International Conference on Security and Privacy in Communication Networks (SecureComm 2006) :176-+ DOI Author Url Publisher Url

Zhang B, He Z, Qian Q. 2006. Application of wavelet entropy and adaptive nerve-fuzzy inference to fault classification 2006 INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE ON POWER SYSTEMS TECHNOLOGY: POWERCON, VOLS 1- 6, International Conference on Power Systems Technology (POWERCON) :1944-+ DOI Author Url Publisher Url

Zhang Q, Mahfouf M. 2005. Reduced Space Searching (RSS) Algorithm: a New Optimization Algorithm for Single-objective and Multi-objective Problems Proceedings of the 1st European Symposium on Nature-inspired Smart Information Systems, 1st European Symposium on Nature-inspired Smart Information Systems

Editorial/letter to the editor

Zhang Q, Chen J, Nguyen TT. 2022. Computational Intelligence in Data-Driven Modelling and Its Engineering Applications 2020 MATHEMATICAL PROBLEMS IN ENGINEERING, 2022 DOI Author Url Publisher Url

Zhang Q, Spurgeon S, Xu L, Yu D. 2018. Computational Intelligence in Data-Driven Modelling and Its Engineering Applications MATHEMATICAL PROBLEMS IN ENGINEERING, 2018 DOI Author Url Publisher Url

Report

Zhang Q, Liu X, Spurgeon S. 2016. Development of Intelligent Predictive Models for Crowding - Final Feasibility Report Technical Report: Development of Intelligent Predictive Models for Crowding on Trains using Data-driven Methodologies :0-103 Author Url Publisher Url

Books (authored)

Zhang Q. 2010. Transparent Knowledge Discovery from Data 9783639307405

Chapters

Zhang Q, Liu X. Optimisation in Friction Stir Welding: Modelling, Monitoring and Design Datta S, Davim JP. Optimization in Industry - Present Practices and Future Scopes :299-329 Springer, Cham 978-3-030-01640-1 DOI Publisher Url

Conference organisation:

The 21st UK Workshop on Computational Intelligence, Technical Programme Committee. 2022

Int. Conf. on Material Engineering and Advanced Manufacturing Technology (MEAMT 2017, 2018, 2019), International Program Committee Member. 2017

Int. Conf. on MEMS, Nanotechnology and Precision Engineering (ICMNPE 2017), International Program Committee Member. 2017

8th Int. Conf. on Fuzzy Systems Knowledge Discovery (FSKD 2011), International Program Committee Member. 2011

10th, 7th, and 6th Int. Conf. on Natural Computation, International Program Committee Member. 2010

Research Grants Awarded:

Innovate UK and DfT, IRIS: Information System for Railway Station Staff, Grant value (£): £330,000. 2020

Innovate UK and DfT, COINS - Customer-Operational INformation System for railway stations, Grant value (£): £265,000. 2019

RSSB, ANTI-SLIP: A study on using Network Rail's and train borne information to anticipate and mitigate the impact of slippery rail, Grant value (£): £99,000. 2019

RSSB, Anticipating and Mitigating Reactionary Delays – a Case Study on the Northern Line of Merseyrail, Grant value (£): £86,000. 2018

CSC, Swarm Intelligence and Planning for Many-Agent Autonomous Systems, Grant value (£): £32,000. 2017

MoD Dstl, Multi-objective Optimal Motion Planning and Formation Control of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles in Complex Urban Environments, Grant value (£): £42,501. 2015

RSSB, Development of Intelligent Predictive Models for Crowding on Trains using Data-driven Methodologies, Grant value (£): £52,522. 2015

Award:

FET Research Pump Priming Award, 2016 ~ 2017, 2017 ~ 2018, 2018 ~ 2019, LJMU. 2016

Collaborative Research Fellowships, 2016 ~ 2017, 2017 ~ 2018, LJMU. 2016

Outstanding Reviewer of Applied Soft Computing, 2013 ~ 2015, Elsevier. 2016

Best Poster Prize of the 12th IMMPETUS Colloquium, IMMPETUS. 2010

Editorial boards:

Artificial Intelligence Research, Editorial Board Member.

International Journal of Control Science and Engineering, Editorial Board Member.

Mathematical Problems in Engineering, Lead Guest Editor.

Membership of professional bodies:

Fellow, Higher Education Academy.

Member, IEEE.

Member, RRUKA.

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