Tomas Katafiasz

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.