Tomas Katafiasz
Research Associate
tomas.katafiasz11@imperial.ac.uk
Address
Imperial College London, Exhibition Road, London, UK

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.

SKILLS & EXPERTISE
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Composite material characterisation and modelling
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Fractography of polymeric composite materials
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Finite Element Modelling
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Product development for market
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Aeronautical/aerospace engineering
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Automotive engineering
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Bicycle engineering
WORK EXPERIENCE
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2018 - Present
Post-doctoral Research Associate
Imperial College London
Working on the latest developments in polymer composite fractography
London, UK
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2016 - 2021
Chief Technology Officer (Part time)
Tresca Bicycles Ltd.
Developing optimised road bicycle frames through Finite Element Modelling
London, UK
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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
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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

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
tomas.katafiasz11@imperial.ac.uk
Address
Imperial College London, Exhibition Road, London, UK