In memory of Honorary Professor Frans Breugelmans
In memory of Honorary Professor Frans Breugelmans
It is my sad duty to inform you of the passing away of Prof. Em. Frans Breugelmans on Saturday October 22, 2022
Professor Breugelmans was born in Diest on December 4, 1938, and graduated as a Civil Engineer from KU Leuven, and received his ‘Diploma course, now Research Master’ from TCEA, the predecessor of the VKI.
Frans was the last VKI professor who received his diploma from Prof. Theodore Von Karman, a few months before our founder passed away.
Prof. Breugelmans started his academic career at VKI In 1965, and at KU Leuven in 1967.
Between 1977 and 2000, Prof. Breugelmans was an internationally highly respected member of the VKI Faculty, and a pioneering founder of the Turbomachinery Department. Under the leadership of Prof. Breugelmans, as Head of the TU Department between 1977 and 1997, industrial collaborations between VKI and world-class industrial companies became very important for the Institute.
Frans was an avid pilot, and loved to fly his beautiful old timer bi-plane called ‘Stripes’.
On behalf of the Institute, I respectfully offer my sincere condolences to Frans’ family.
May the many beautiful memories help his family and friends to accept the loss of the great person he was.
Peter Grognard
Managing Director
Biography
Biography
Education
Mechanical Engineering K.U.Leuven . Civil Engineer (MS), 1962
Postgraduate TCEA (presently VKI) speciality Turbomachines, 1963
Career
2004 - 2022: Prof. Emeritus University KULeuven.
2000 - 2022: Honorary Professor von Karman Institute (with teaching & consulting activities).
1996 - 2004: Associate lecturer KULeuven (course Turbomachines, 5th year Mech. Eng. )
1994: Visiting scientist Aeronautics Dept. Tokyo University (2 months) Invitation of Japans Program Promotion of Science
1991 - 2000: Assistant director von Karman Institute
1977 - 1997: Head turbomachinery dept. von Karman Institute
1977 - 2000: Full professor VKI.
1976 – 1977: Iowa State visiting associate professor in Mech. Engineering Dept.
1967 - 1996: Lecturer KULeuven (optional course Turbomachines.)
1965: Assistant VKI, turbomachinery lab.
Awards and memberships
1977 / 78 - 1997 NATO AGARD PEP panel member (Prop & Energetics Panel)
1975 - present International Society for Airbreathing Propulsion, ISOABE international administrative secretary
Honorary member of the Japanese Gas Turbine Society.(2004)
KVIV (Royal Flemish Eng. Society)
KVIV TI “Lucht en Ruimtevaart”
International Society for Airbreathing Engines
Belgian Association of Mech. Engineers
American Society for Mechanical Engineers
International Committee Member Japanese Society for Gas Turbines
NATO , RTO-AVT panel member , Research & Technology Organisation, Advanced Vehicle Technology Panel. Former NATO –AGARD PEP, since 1997.
NATO , RTB Belgian National Delegate (one of the three delegates) Research & Technology Board (1998-2004) Clearance : “NATO secret”
Teaching
Teaching
Formal courses
Introduction, cycles, propulsion
Radial equilibrium in turbomachines
Advanced axial compressor course (Part of 4.5 ECTS)
Design exercise of axial flow compressor (part of 5. ECTS)
Invited lecturer
USAF Windows on Science Program , Seminaries given at WPAFB ( invitations in 1988 and 1998)
Invitation IADF (International Aircraft Development Fund) of Japanese International Exchange Program. 08-24 June visit Japan. 2000
Gas Turbine Society of Japan, 30th anniversary ceremony, invited guest. May 2002
Sydney University – School of AerospaceDecember 2011
University of Shanghai for Science and Technology, College of Power Engineering,November 2011
Seoul National University, Department of Aerospace Engineering, May 2010
The Korean Society for Aeronautical and Space Sciences.May 2010
IHI and Honda, Tokyo, May 2010