Within the track on Structures and Materials, we tackle the design, modeling, and simulation of problems mainly coming from structural engineering, solid mechanics, and material science. Innovative applications like those involving the additive manufacturing process are also considered and developed.
Particular attention is paid to advanced and smart materials that are mechanically characterized with standard and non-standard experimental tests (Mate-Lab) and modeled through the development of constitutive laws able to accurately reproduce their behavior. The obtained models are then exploited for designing smart structures and innovative applications. As an example, shape memory alloys and polymers represent materials of interest that have been characterized, modeled, and investigated within the DeMSE program.
Extensive research activities involve the experimental testing and numerical modeling of civil structures, from material characterization to overall system response. Improving knowledge about existing structures and developing innovative construction solutions aims at mitigating the risks associated with extreme loading scenarios, while increasing the sustainability of the built environment.