Tom Engels

Tom Engels is a part-time Associate Professor in Polymer Mechanics at Eindhoven University of Technology (TU/e) and Principal Scientist at Envalior (former DSM Engineering Materials). He bridges academic research with industrial applications in polymer physics, processing, and mechanical performance.

• PhD in Mechanical Engineering (2008, TU/e, with honors)
• MSc in Mechanical Engineering (2005, TU/e, with honors)

His research focuses on polymer mechanics, particularly connecting processing conditions to final properties of polymers and composites. Key areas include:

• Crack propagation and fatigue behavior
• Thermomechanical history effects
• Fiber orientation and environmental aging
• Structure-property relationships
• Fracture toughness of thermoplastic elastomers
• Viscoplastic modeling of composites

His recent publications highlight trends in:

• Environmental degradation of polyamides
• Rate-dependent failure in elastomers
• Phenomenological models for fatigue prediction
• Physical aging in glassy polymers
• Microstructural analysis of composites
• Process zone characterization

Scientific Awards:

• PhD with honors (2008, TU/e)
• MSc with honors (2005, TU/e)
• European Commission H2020 Marie Skłodowska-Curie grant (765811)
• DSM Ahead financial support

As a Principal Scientist at Envalior, he applies academic insights to engineering materials development. His work spans from fundamental polymer physics to industrial applications like ultra-strong fibers and composite design.