Principle Specialist, Pratt & Whitney Canada, Canada
Dr. Tieshu Fan is an accomplished rotordynamic engineer with over nine years of experience in technical solution development and aerospace research. His expertise lies in turbomachinery, vibration analysis, and rotor-bearing systems, with a particular focus on squeeze film damper (SFD) technology for aircraft engines. Dr. Fan has worked extensively at Pratt & Whitney Canada, contributing to engine system optimization, troubleshooting, and advanced rotordynamic analysis. He has published several influential research articles in top-tier journals and actively collaborated with academic and industry partners to bridge theoretical innovation with practical applications. With a PhD and Master’s degree from the University of Toronto and a Bachelor’s degree from Lanzhou University, Dr. Fan has also contributed significantly to academia through teaching and mentoring. His dedication to research, engineering excellence, and knowledge transfer positions him as a key contributor in the field of rotor dynamics and aerospace engineering.
Professional Profile
ORCID Profile
🎓 Education
Dr. Tieshu Fan holds a Doctor of Philosophy (2015–2020) and a Master of Applied Science (2013–2015) in Mechanical and Industrial Engineering from the University of Toronto, Canada. His doctoral research focused on advanced squeeze film damper (SFD) modeling and rotor vibration analysis for aircraft engine applications, under the supervision of Dr. Kamran Behdinan. Prior to his studies in Canada, Dr. Fan earned his Bachelor of Science in Mechanical and Civil Engineering from Lanzhou University, China (2008–2012). His educational journey provided him with a solid foundation in mechanical systems, structural analysis, and fluid dynamics. Through his studies, Dr. Fan developed strong analytical, computational, and experimental skills, which he has effectively applied in both academic research and industrial projects. His education not only shaped his technical expertise but also fostered his leadership in multidisciplinary collaborations.
💼 Experience
Dr. Tieshu Fan is currently serving as a Principal Specialist and Rotordynamic Engineer at Pratt & Whitney Canada, where he has led numerous projects in rotordynamic analysis, engine system validation, vibration troubleshooting, and structural load assessment. His industrial career spans from 2018 and resumed from 2022 to the present, where he provided critical support across engine development and service lifecycles. As a Post-doctoral Fellow at the University of Toronto (2020–2021), Dr. Fan spearheaded cutting-edge research on SFD models and developed advanced software tools for engine simulations. He also served as a research assistant in prominent laboratories at the University of Toronto, focusing on multibody frictional contact problems and rotor vibration analysis. Additionally, Dr. Fan dedicated seven years to teaching and mentoring as a Teaching Assistant and TA Coordinator, covering a wide range of engineering and mathematics courses. His combined academic and industry experience showcases his comprehensive expertise in rotor dynamics and turbomachinery.
🔬 Research Focus
Dr. Tieshu Fan’s research primarily centers on rotor dynamics, squeeze film damper (SFD) modeling, vibration analysis, and turbomachinery stability. His work has significantly advanced the understanding of fluid-structure interactions in rotating machinery, focusing on the dynamic behavior and damping mechanisms of rotor-bearing systems. He specializes in developing analytical and computational models to predict engine performance, assess structural integrity, and optimize vibration control. His research also explores cavitation effects, lubricant dynamics, and high-speed rotor systems relevant to aerospace engineering. Dr. Fan’s studies integrate theoretical modeling, experimental validation, and software development to support next-generation engine designs. His cross-disciplinary approach ensures practical applicability in industrial settings, particularly within aircraft engine manufacturing and maintenance. Through continuous collaboration with academia and industry, Dr. Fan is contributing to safer, more reliable, and more efficient turbomachinery systems. His work is particularly valuable for advancing the field of aircraft engine vibration control and system integration.
📚 Publication Top Notes
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An Analytical Turbulence Model for Squeeze Film Damper Short-Bearing Analysis
📖 Applied Mechanics, 2025-07-01
🔗 DOI: 10.3390/applmech6030048
👥 Authors: Tieshu Fan, Kamran Behdinan
Summary: Developed a turbulence model for short-bearing squeeze film dampers, enhancing rotordynamic prediction accuracy for high-speed rotating machinery.
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An Analytical Model for Open-Ended Squeeze Film Damper with a Circumferential Central Groove
📖 Journal of Engineering Tribology, 2021
🔗 DOI: 10.1177/1350650120987652
👥 Authors: Tieshu Fan, Kamran Behdinan
Summary: Presented an analytical model addressing groove effects in open-ended SFDs, improving vibration control in rotor systems.
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Vibration Analysis of Rotor-Bearing System Using Polynomial Interpolation for Squeeze Film Damper Models
📖 SN Applied Sciences, 2020
🔗 DOI: 10.1007/s42452-020-03783-y
👥 Authors: Tieshu Fan, Kamran Behdinan
Summary: Introduced polynomial interpolation methods to enhance the vibration analysis of rotor-bearing systems with SFDs.
Conclusion
Tieshu Fan is highly suitable for the Best Researcher Award, particularly in engineering and applied sciences with aerospace applications. His work demonstrates technical depth, practical relevance, and a consistent trajectory of contribution. To further solidify his standing, broadening his international research collaborations, increasing his citation footprint, and expanding mentorship roles would add extra strength to his already impressive profile.