Structures and Materials

The research on structures and materials started in the 50’s with the origin of the Department. The research covered a broad field of different subjects, always faced with integrated experimental and analytical approaches. Such subjects span from the buckling of light structures and structural components to the indepth analysis of joints, the use and the properties of composite materials, the formulation of new analytical approaches for beams and panels, the analysis and the design of landing and crash events. Particular attention has been devoted to rotorcraft applications. In this field, one of the most significant achievements of the past was a new formulation for the analysis of non-homogeneous composite beams, that led to a very effective software for the analysis and design of helicopter rotor blades, extensively used by the major rotorcraft industries. Large and versatile test facilities are available for the various structures and materials activities.