Associate Professor, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, China
Dr. Fulin Zhou is an Associate Professor at Shanghai Jiao Tong University, specializing in underwater acoustic engineering. He earned a bachelor’s degree in Naval Architecture and Ocean Engineering from Tianjin University (2013), followed by a Ph.D. in Underwater Acoustic Engineering from Shanghai Jiao Tong University (2019). Since joining SJTU as an assistant professor in 2019, he was promoted to associate professor in early 2025. Dr. Zhou has authored over 30 SCI-indexed publications and holds 16 Chinese national invention patents, with multiple patents granted in the past three years as first inventor. He co-authored the book Vibration and Sound Radiation of Underwater Structures and serves on the editorial board of Ship Engineering. An active member of the Acoustical Society of China, he has presented his research internationally in France, Australia, and beyond. His work bridges theoretical innovation with real-world solutions in acoustic scattering, underwater target identification, and flexible underwater structures.
Professional Profile
Education
Dr. Fulin Zhou’s academic journey began at Tianjin University, where he completed a Bachelor of Engineering in Naval Architecture and Ocean Engineering in 2013. His solid grounding in marine design and structural mechanics laid the foundation for his specialization in acoustics. In 2019, he was awarded a Ph.D. in Underwater Acoustic Engineering from Shanghai Jiao Tong University. His doctoral research focused on advanced scattering mechanisms of underwater structures and the development of control methods for acoustic fields. His dissertation integrated rigorous theoretical models with experimental validation techniques, including full-scale scattering tests and elastic wave interface analysis. During his Ph.D., he published several peer-reviewed papers in high-impact journals, demonstrating both scholarly depth and practical relevance. This strong educational background equipped him with the analytical skills and domain knowledge required for his subsequent developments in acoustic barcoding, inflatable target devices, and acoustic stealth design.
Professional Experience
Upon completing his Ph.D. in 2019, Dr. Fulin Zhou joined the Ocean Acoustics Laboratory at Shanghai Jiao Tong University as an assistant professor. In this role, he led research into acoustic scattering behaviors of underwater structures and early-stage work on acoustic coding technologies. He initiated the “Acoustic Barcodes for Individual Identification” project and collaborated with industry partners on practical studies, such as acoustic scattering of buried pipelines. His work expanded academic-industry linkages through consultancy projects. In early 2025, he was promoted to associate professor, reflecting recognition of his research productivity, patent success, and teaching contributions. He co-authored a specialized textbook on underwater vibrations and acoustic radiation and stepped into editorial responsibilities for Ship Engineering. Dr. Zhou has mentored graduate students, managed funded projects, and anchored partnerships with other research labs, including a strategic collaboration with Professor Zilong Peng’s Vibration and Noise Laboratory.
Research Focus
Dr. Zhou’s research aims to decode and control acoustic scattering phenomena in underwater structures, leveraging both theoretical modeling and physical experimentation. Key areas include:
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Elastic wave scattering at material interfaces: Investigating wave propagation across boundaries such as air–water and water–sand layers in cylindrical and spherical shells.
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Acoustic barcoding: Developing unique scattering signatures for passive target identification using engineered geometries and periodic structures.
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Inflatable underwater devices: Designing foldable, depth-adaptive corner reflectors and sonar bell devices to modulate echo strength passively.
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Acoustic stealth and self-noise reduction: Optimizing bottom-object shapes and acoustic windows with graded materials to minimize detectability and background noise.
His work emphasizes real-world applicability—creating deployable structures for underwater navigation, positioning, surveillance, and target simulation. These innovations address both defense and commercial marine needs.
Publication Top Notes
1. Flexible Inflatable Structures in Underwater Acoustics: Scattering Experiments
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Authors: Fulin Zhou*, Zhongkai Wang, Zihao Liu, et al.
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Journal: Applied Acoustics, 2025.
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Summary: Presents experimental validation of scattering from depth-variable inflatable shells, showing adjustable echo strength for target simulation.
2. Acoustic barcode based on the acoustic scattering characteristics of underwater targets
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Authors: Fulin Zhou*, Jun Fan, Bin Wang, et al.
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Journal: Applied Acoustics, 2022.
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Summary: Introduces a method to imprint unique scattering patterns (“barcodes”) on underwater targets via geometric modulation.
3. Acoustic Backscattering Mechanism of an Open Cylindrical Shell at the Air–Water Interface
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Authors: Zhongkai Wang, Fulin Zhou*, Zilong Peng, et al.
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Journal: Physics of Fluids, 2025.
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Summary: Explores resonance-enhanced scattering at interface boundaries; clarifies wave-mode interactions.
Conclusion
Dr. Fulin Zhou stands out as a highly qualified and innovative researcher in the field of Underwater Acoustics. His balanced combination of theoretical research, patent-backed innovations, practical engineering applications, and academic leadership at Shanghai Jiao Tong University aligns well with the objectives of the Best Researcher Award. While inclusion of citation data and broader global engagement could enhance his portfolio, his current contributions are substantial and impactful.