• Turbomachinery and Propulsion Department

    To solve problematics of aircraft engines
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In memory of Honorary Professor Frans Breugelmans


Tony Arts 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