Analysis of the Processes Leading to the Collapse of Complex Structural Systems

Department

Department of Structural, Geotechnical and Building Engineering, Politecnico of Turin

Main research activities/topics/projects

Continuing to rely on continuum mechanics once initial damage levels are exceeded may be practical, but it limits the ability to make accurate predictions. The study of this issue is crucial when it comes to heterogeneous materials. New technological demands regarding temperature, pressure, and aggressive media necessitate the use of brittle or nearly brittle materials as coatings or as phases within composite materials that can interact with other constituents, resulting in a material that is suitable for the desired function.

The key aspects proposed in this research are: (i) the notion that the boundary distinguishing the end of the structure and the beginning of the material is a convention defined by the analyst; (ii) the way structural systems collapse is influenced by the specific boundary conditions of the problem at hand; however, the collapse of systems or their change in configuration when reaching a critical situation exhibits universal behavior patterns. These behavior patterns become more evident as the structure approaches a critical situation, whether local or global.

The search for these universal patterns enables a better understanding of systems and allows for the proposition of premises that help determine when a structure is nearing collapse. This approach can be applied to both macro structures and micro systems, such as proteins, during configuration changes and when they deteriorate due to mechanical stress.

The potential for innovation presented by this perspective is uncommon in the field of engineering. It creates the opportunity to view realities and problems that are sometimes overlooked from a different angle. This adds a degree of novelty to the project, along with the potential discovery of new precursor indicators that can be used to identify the imminence of critical situations.

Working language

 English

Special entry requirements

Great laboratory experience | Structural Analysis - ANSYS | Programming in Fortran, Matlab, Python | Solidworks - Good Knowledge

Duration in months (min-max)

Post Doc: 9-12