Fotios Kopsaftopoulos

Professor Fotios Kopsaftopoulos is an Associate Professor in the Department of Mechanical, Aerospace, and Nuclear Engineering at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI). He joined RPI in 2017 after postdoctoral research at Stanford University and the University of Patras, Greece. His work focuses on structural health monitoring (SHM), intelligent structures, and autonomous systems with bio-inspired sensing capabilities.

Education:

• Diploma and Ph.D. in Mechanical and Aeronautical Engineering from University of Patras, Greece (2012).

Research Interests:

His research spans stochastic system identification, vibration-based SHM methods, model predictive control, and design of composite structural batteries. He explores SHM reliability quantification, adhesively bonded structures analysis, and autonomous system integration. Key areas include:

• Structural Health Monitoring (SHM)
• Aerospace System Design
• Autonomous Systems and Bio-inspired Sensing
• Control Systems and Optimization
• Composite Materials and Structural Batteries

Grants & Projects:

He has secured funding from AFOSR, NSF, NASA, ARPA-E, and industry partners like Boeing and Airbus, focusing on advanced materials, control systems, and aerospace applications. His work addresses challenges in green aircraft navigation, structural battery health monitoring, and composite material reliability.

Labs & Affiliations:

Director of the Intelligent Systems and Space Laboratory (ISSL) at RPI. Previously affiliated with Stanford’s Structures and Composites Laboratory. Active in professional committees including the Vertical Flight Society’s HUMS Committee and ASME’s SHM/NDE Committee.