Piotr Łapka

Piotr Łapka is a Professor at the Department of Thermodynamics, Institute of Heat Engineering, Faculty of Mechanical, Power and Aerospace Engineering at Warsaw University of Technology. He holds a habilitated doctorate in engineering (dr hab. inż.) and has been recognized with several prestigious awards including the Rector's Award of Warsaw University of Technology.

His educational background includes graduating with honors from the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, Power and Aerospace Engineering at Warsaw University of Technology in 2005. He has received the Start Scholarship from the Foundation for Polish Science in 2010, which is a significant recognition of early-career researchers in Poland.

Professor Łapka's research focuses on mathematical and numerical modeling in fluid mechanics and heat transfer, with particular expertise in thermal radiation calculations, parallel computing, solidification processes, and phase change materials. His work bridges theoretical modeling with practical applications in thermal energy systems. He has made significant contributions to the understanding of solidification processes of semi-transparent materials, thermal radiation at interfaces, and numerical methods for heat transfer problems.

His research has resulted in numerous publications in high-impact journals including International Journal of Heat and Mass Transfer, Journal of Heat Transfer, and Heat and Mass Transfer. His work demonstrates a consistent focus on developing advanced numerical methods to solve complex thermal engineering problems, with applications ranging from crystal growth to thermal energy storage systems and turbine engineering.

• Rector's Award of Warsaw University of Technology, individual third degree for scientific achievements in 2011 (awarded October 1, 2012)
• Doctoral dissertation distinction (September 20, 2011)
• Start Scholarship from the Foundation for Polish Science in 2010
• Rector's Award of Warsaw University of Technology, team first degree for scientific achievements in 2007-2008 (awarded October 1, 2009)
• Third place in the National Competition for the Best Master's Thesis on Computational Methods for Simulating Thermal-Flow Processes (January 31, 2007)

Professor Łapka actively supervises students, offering a wide range of thesis topics related to thermal radiation modeling, phase change processes, parallel computing applications, and thermal management systems. He has participated in numerous research projects both nationally and internationally, including EU-funded projects like ESPOSA (Efficient Systems and Propulsion for Small Aircraft).

His organizational activities include participation in the organizing committee of the international conference SolPol 2008 held in Warsaw. He continues to be an active member of the academic community, contributing to both research and education in thermal engineering.