Solid and Structural Mechanics Group
Early studies and bachelor's degree
Marco's passion for structural mechanics began at the Istituto Tecnico per Geometri Pier-Crescenzi Pacinotti, where he first encountered the principles of structural mechanics. This interest led him to pursue a bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering at the University of Bologna , during which he conducted experimental research on masonry and mortar. His thesis, Experimental shear test on masonry samples: investigation on the role of prestress, reflected his early focus on understanding material properties through hands-on testing.
Master’s degree and international experience
Building on this foundation, Marco earned his master’s degree in Civil Engineering at the University of Bologna , where he completed all his coursework and examinations. During this time, he had the opportunity to conduct research as a visiting scholar at Florida Atlantic University in the United States. This period abroad was instrumental in shaping his thesis, The Galerkin method for vibrational problems on stepped structures, where he applied advanced analytical methods to study vibrational behaviors in structural elements like beams and plates. After completing his research in Florida, Marco returned to Bologna to defend his thesis and graduate, further solidifying his expertise in computational and structural mechanics.
Ph.D. research on configurational forces
Marco went on to complete a Ph.D. in Solid and Structural Mechanics at the University of Trento , where he investigated configurational forces in elastic solids. His doctoral research combined theoretical modeling with computational simulations, laying the groundwork for understanding these forces in both static and dynamic regimes. His thesis, Elastic solids under frictionless rigid contact and configurational forces, was supervised by prominent researchers, including Prof. Francesco Dal Corso and Prof. Davide Bigoni , and was supported by advanced numerical modeling in software like ABAQUS.
Postdoctoral research on MREs
Currently, Marco is a postdoctoral researcher at the Czech Technical University in Prague , where his focus has shifted to the study of magnetorheological elastomers (MREs), a class of smart materials whose mechanical properties can be tuned using magnetic fields. He is actively involved in developing variationally consistent models for these materials, tackling challenges such as large deformations and instability phenomena. His work includes implementing these models in the finite element software OOFEM , enabling precise simulations for practical applications in engineering.
Contributions to solid and structural mechanics
Marco’s journey reflects a strong commitment to advancing the field of solid and structural mechanics. His research interests center on nonlinear material behaviors, configurational forces, and the interplay of magnetic and elastic phenomena, commonly referred to as magnetoelasticity. By blending analytical rigor, computational expertise, and experimental insights, Marco continues to contribute to a deeper understanding of how materials respond to complex loadings, driving innovation in both fundamental research and applied engineering.
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