Elastic and Electrical Properties of Linear and Non Linear Complex Systems

Specific mission

The group performs modeling and experimental studies of the conductive, elastic and electro-optical properties of complex materials/systems exhibiting anomalous/nonlinear behavior. The activity consists in the development of analytical, phenomenological and computational approaches, to support the comprehension and interpretation of experimental data. Merging experimental activities and theoretical approaches allows the optimization and development of new experimental methods and the emergence of novel phenomena. The research aims to identify the physical mechanisms responsible of the observed behaviors in specific physical conditions (e.g. low/high frequencies, large strains, proximity to order transitions, etc.), aiming to reveal features for possible applications in the industrial field.

Main research topics

  • Modeling of conductivity in complex ionic solutions using models based on the Poisson-Nernst-Planck equation; electrical properties of nanostructured electrodes in contact with electrolytes
  • Multi-scale modeling of the elastic properties of compact granular media using discrete multistate (phenomenological) approaches and physical models with local interactions
  • Characterization of elastic and viscous properties of solids through the separation of damping and modulus nonlinearities
  • Application of nonlinear elasticity to the characterization of solid materials, using techniques based on the Scaling Subtraction Method or on Nonlinear Time Reversal and Dynamic AcoustoElastic Testing
  • Design of novel elastic metamaterials with special filtering and focusing properties (e.g. acoustic diode) and development of self-healing systems for concrete
  • Modeling of the mechanical properties of biological and bioinspired materials, including fracture, vibration damping, adhesion, friction.
  • Nanoscale characterization of the topographic, elastic and thermal properties by means of Scanning Probe Microscopy techniques
  • Characterization of the electrical properties by means of electrical transport measurements

Main partnerships

  • P.Antonaci, DISEG, Politecnico di Torino, Italy
  • M.Bentahar, Laboratoire d’Acoustique de l’Universitè du Maine (LAUM), LeMans, France;
  • M.Griffa, Empa -Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology, Zurich, Switzerland;
  • G.Renaud, Universitè Pierre and Marie Curie, Paris, France
  • F.Boubenider, Univeristy of Algers, Algers, Algeria
  • B.Morvan, University of Le Havre, Le Havre, France
  • N.Pugno, University of Trento, Trento, Italy
  • M.Ricci, Università della Calabria, Italy
  • P.A.Johnson, Los Alamos National Lab, New Mexico, US
  • J.Kober, Institute of Thermomechanics, Prague, Czech Republic
  • A.L.Alexe-Ionescu, Universitatea Politechnica Bucuresti, Bucharest, Romania
  • I.Lelidis, University of Athens, Athens, Greece
  • A.M.Figueiredo Neto, University of Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brasil
  • L.R.Evangelista, UEM University of Maringa, Maringa, Brasil
  • M. Miniaci, CNRS Lille (France)
  • M. Onorato, University of Torino (Italy)

Projects and publications

Reference laboratories

Leader Permanent staff
PhD, Post-docs and Grant researchers
  • DI BELLA ANGELO