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Tomas Katafiasz

Research Associate

Email

tomas.katafiasz11@imperial.ac.uk
Address

Imperial College London, Exhibition Road, London, UK

LinkedIn

Publications

Engineering Plans
about

ABOUT

Tomas Katafiasz is a Research Associate in the Department of Aeronautics at Imperial College London.  Dr Katafiasz obtained a first-class bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering from the University of Liverpool and a master’s degree and PhD in composite materials from Imperial College London.

 

His research interests began at Sheffield Forgemasters undertaking finite element modelling of large-scale metallic castings for the nuclear industry.  This interest then led to research and development into ultra-light composite technologies for spacecraft at Airbus Defence and Space.

 

Since then Dr Katafiasz completed his PhD in experimental testing and numerical modelling low velocity impact of fibre hybrid composite components for the automotive industry, funded by a consortium of companies including Jaguar Land Rover and Bentley Motors.  During this time he was also involved in the successful engineering, design, and launch to market of a road bicycle: the Tresca TCA-1, acclaimed by the media including winning fourth place of the prestigious Road.cc 'Road Bike of the Year 2019/20', outperforming many industry leaders.

 

His current research focus lies in the failure investigation of polymeric composites through fractographic techniques, primarily in the next generation of composite aeroengines for Rolls Royce within the CTi and FANTASTICAL ATI projects.

Propellor
resumé

SKILLS & EXPERTISE

  • Composite material characterisation and modelling

  • Fractography of polymeric composite materials

  • Finite Element Modelling

  • Product development for market

  • Aeronautical/aerospace engineering

  • Automotive engineering

  • Bicycle engineering

WORK EXPERIENCE

  • 2018 - Present

Post-doctoral Research Associate

Imperial College London

Working on the latest developments in polymer composite fractography

London, UK

  • 2016 - 2021

Chief Technology Officer (Part time)

Tresca Bicycles Ltd.

Developing optimised road bicycle frames through Finite Element Modelling

London, UK

  • 2012 - 2014

Stress Engineer / Research and Development Engineer

Airbus Defence and Space

NASTRAN Finite Element Modelling of spacecraft components for launch.  Research into new composite material technologies for space.

Friedrichshafen, Germany / Stevenage, UK

  • 2009 - 2010

Research and Development Engineer

Sheffield Forgemasters Ltd.

Finite Element Modelling of large scale heavy component casting for the nuclear industry. (2x undergraduate placements).

Sheffield, UK

Engineering Tools

EDUCATION

2014 - 2018

Imperial College London

PhD: Experimental testing, Modelling, and Fractography of Automotive Composites

London, UK

2011 - 2012

Imperial College London

MSc: Composite Materials - Thesis: Distinction

London, UK

2008 - 2011

University of Liverpool

BEng: Mechanical Engineering - First Class (Hons)

Liverpool, UK

contact

CONTACT

Email

tomas.katafiasz11@imperial.ac.uk

Address

Imperial College London, Exhibition Road, London, UK

LinkedIn

Publications

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