The research focuses on the analysis, modelling, design, construction, and subsequent experimental characterization of structures for automobiles, with a dual perspective on safety and lightweighting. Special attention is given to thin-walled box structures, hybrid structures composed of different materials and connected by structural joining methodologies, and structures/components manufactured using Additive Manufacturing technologies. Traditional structural analysis methods are complemented by structural optimization methodologies (topological, shape, and parametric optimization) employed using commercial and proprietary codes. The activity also includes the study of devices (airbags, seat belts, etc.) aimed at enhancing passenger safety, as well as biomechanical research to model the human body in order to study the consequences of accidents in terms of trauma suffered from impacts. The experimental aspect involves various types of tests, with particular attention to the elastic response, identification of collapse loads, and post-collapse behaviour up to final failure. Equipment and testing systems, dedicated sensors, and data acquisition systems have also been developed for the investigated applications.
DIMEAS groups involved
Vehicle Structure and Safety: Design, Simulation, Optimization, and Testing