Zhang was born into a rural family in Anlu County, Hubei. He received his early education locally before enrolling in missionary schools in Wuchang, where he demonstrated strong academic performance. After graduating in 1925, he briefly worked as a teacher before entering Tsinghua School in 1926 and later transferring to the University of Shanghai for Science and Technology (then Hujiang University), from which he graduated in 1930.[2]
In 1931, Zhang was admitted to study in the United States with government sponsorship. He studied hydraulic engineering and physics at Cornell University, obtaining a Master of Science degree in 1933, and subsequently continued his studies at the University of Iowa, where he focused on fluid mechanics, aerodynamics, and aviation mechanics, earning a Doctor of Engineering degree in 1935.[3]
After returning to China in 1935, Zhang devoted himself to teaching and research. He taught at several leading institutions, including Beiyang University, Lingnan University, Hujiang University, and the Northwestern Engineering Institute. He later held professorships and leadership roles at Tianjin University and served as president of Jingu University.[4] Throughout his academic career, he taught courses such as theoretical mechanics, optics, fluid mechanics, aerodynamics, flight mechanics, and vibration theory. He was known for his rigorous teaching style and emphasis on both precision and clarity in education, and he actively mentored young faculty members.[5]
Zhang made notable contributions to turbulence theory, advocating for a physical rather than purely mathematical approach to understanding turbulence. He proposed analogies between turbulence and molecular motion and developed theoretical frameworks that challenged prevailing interpretations centered on the mathematical difficulty of solving the Navier–Stokes equations.[6] His work was recognized internationally and cited in George Batchelor's The Theory of Homogeneous Turbulence. He also published widely in applied mathematics and authored influential textbooks, including Fluid Mechanics and Vibration Mechanics, which were widely used in Chinese universities.[7][8]
After the establishment of the People's Republic of China, Zhang held a number of important administrative and political positions. He served as Director of the Tianjin Municipal Bureau of Education, President of Jingu University, President of Tianjin University, and Vice Mayor of Tianjin.[9] He was also chairman of the Tianjin Association for Science and Technology and vice chairman of the Tianjin Municipal Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference. In addition, he was a standing committee member of the Central Committee of the China Democratic League and chairman of its Tianjin Municipal Committee.[10]
Zhang was elected as a delegate to the 1st through 4th National People's Congress and served as a member of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference. He remained active in both academic and public service throughout his life. Zhang died in Tianjin on December 5, 1975.[11]