Degrees

MA, MEng and PhD in Engineering (University of Cambridge)

Research interests

Demetrios Lefas is a Royal Academy of Engineering (RAEng) Research Fellow at the Whittle Laboratory. His research group conducts research that lies at the interface between aerodynamics and mechanical vibrations, tackling practical problems relating to aeroelastic instabilities found in jet engines.

Aeroelastic instabilities in jet engines occur when changes in aerodynamics amplify a blade’s vibration. Such instability problems, currently limit design and compromise engine efficiency. It is critical that these problems are addressed quickly to ensure the successful development of new ultra-efficient engines.

Demetrios’ research aims to understand the driving mechanisms behind these aeroelastic instabilities to develop new technology at the pace required for a net-zero carbon transition, while keeping flying accessible to all.

As part of his research, he directly collaborates with Rolls-Royce and has been appointed as a visiting Research Fellow at Imperial College London.

Teaching Interests

Mechanical Vibrations, Thermofluids & Structural Mechanics

Awards and prizes

Queen’s Jubilee (QUEST) Scholarship (2012-2016)

Ricardo Prize in Thermodynamics (2016)

EPSRC IAA Fellowship (2021)

Freeman Award (2022)

Royal Academy of Engineering Research Fellowship (2023)

Publications

For an up-to-date list of publications please visit my profile on the Faculty’s website.