Leonel Echer

Leonel Echer's picture

Fixed-term assistant professor
Department of Structural, Geotechnical and Building Engineering (DISEG)

Profile

Research interests

Composite materials
Computational mechanics
Fracture mechanics
Structural integrity
Structural optimization

Biography

Leonel Echer is a Researcher at the Department of Structural, Geotechnical and Building Engineering (DISEG) at Politecnico di Torino. His research is focused on computational mechanics, structural optimization, and the application of advanced composite materials. He develops novel numerical methodologies to enhance the structural integrity and extend the lifespan of critical structures, with primary applications in the energy (wind turbine blades, circular economy), oil & gas, and aerospace sectors. His scientific contributions include patented technologies, registered software, and numerous peer-reviewed publications. He is also an active peer reviewer for international journals in his field.

Scientific branch

CEAR-06/A - Mechanics of Solids and Structures
(Area 0008 - Civil engineering and architecture)

Research topics

  • Computational mechanics and structural optimization of composite materials, focusing on the mechanical characterization of orthotropic properties and their integration into advanced finite element models.
  • End-of-life strategies for composite wind turbine blades, focusing on recycling, reuse, and co-processing solutions to promote a circular economy in the energy sector.
  • Extending the lifespan of critical structures (e.g., wind turbine blades, pipelines) through the development and application of advanced fiber-reinforced composite repairs and predictive numerical modeling.
  • Modeling, monitoring, and analysis of damage mechanics and brittle failure in structures reinforced with Fiber-Reinforced Polymer (FRP) composites, including reinforced concrete.

Skills

ERC sectors

PE8_4 - Computational engineering
PE11_5 - Engineering of composites and hybrid materials
PE8_7 - Mechanical engineering
PE6_12 - Scientific computing, simulation and modelling tools

SDG

Goal 7: Affordable and clean energy
Goal 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure
Goal 11: Sustainable cities and communities

Other research or teaching roles outside Politecnico

  • Ricercatore, presso Fundacao de Amparo a Pesquisa do Estado do Rio Grande do Sul - FAPERGS (10/4/2023-28/2/2025)

Teaching

Collegi of the degree programmes

Publications

Latest publications View all publications in Porto@Iris