Wu ChengKang

Chinese Engineer. Specialist in design of heat shields for nuclear warheads and recoverable spacecraft.

Educated Wisconsin; MIT.

Official Chinese Academy of Sciences Biography

Wu ChengKang

Gas dynamics specialist. Born in Shanghai. Received MS from the Department of Engineering Mechanics, University of Wisconsin, USA in 1952, and Sc.D. from MIT, USA in 1957. Research professor, Institute of Mechanics, Chinese Academy of Sciences.

Wu was engaged in the research on high temperature gasdynamics. Combining research projects of astronautics and energy resources, he studied and developed the heat-protection system of Chinese ballistic missiles, and designed reliable methods and devices for studying aerothermodynamic ablation. His work provided scientific data for heat-shield reliability of intercontinental missiles, recovery artificial satellite, feasible ways for reentrible communication, etc.. In combustion science, he made important contributions to the mechanism of "knock" in petrol engines and the correct measuring method of laminar flame speed. In addition, he led the development of a new type of coal precombustion chamber, which can be used to save oil for flame stabilization. In plasma science and technology, he made numerous studies in basic and applied research on electric arc plasmagenerator.

He was elected Member of the Chinese Academy of Sciences in 1991.