LeBel, François

Dr. François LEBEL serves as Unit Director – Materials, Inspection and Processes (MIP) – at the Centre technologique en aérospatiale (CTA), which he joined in 2019. This research unit mobilizes approximately 20 applied R&D experts working across polymer matrix composites, ceramic matrix composites, biocomposites, non-destructive inspection, metrology, and manufacturing processes, serving the aerospace, advanced air mobility, and drone sectors. He is also an Adjunct Professor in the Department of Aerospace Engineering at the École de technologie supérieure (ÉTS) in Montreal. Since 2004, he has led and contributed to numerous R&D projects and programs in process development and virtual manufacturing of polymer matrix and ceramic matrix composites. Over this period, he has worked for both academic and industrial institutions on research themes including multiphysics modelling of composite manufacturing processes, material characterization, and process control with a focus on Liquid Composite Molding, compression moulding, and autoclave consolidation processes, primarily for aeronautical, automotive, and energy production applications. He has also co-supervised graduate students at several Montreal-area academic institutions. Prior to joining the CTA, Dr. LeBel worked at the General Electric’s R&D center (GE Global Research) in Niskayuna, NY, USA, from 2012 to 2019, where he also taught a composites manufacturing course to engineering interns enrolled in the Edison Engineering Development Program (EEDP).