The methods developed to analyze the mechanical behavior of materials (fracture mechanics, damage mechanics, impact behavior) are fundamental for developing new approaches to evaluate the structural integrity of mechanical components. Many applications in this area aim to develop specific techniques for analyzing mechanical components when subjected to service and extreme loads (low and high-velocity impact loads, presence of defects, crack propagation, and thermo-mechanical loads). Non-destructive testing methods, structural health monitoring, and prognostics (application of localized, distributed, and embedded sensors, Artificial Neural Networks, statistical methods for the assessment of residual life in service, etc.) applied to mechanical and aeronautical systems are also investigated. In several applications, AI-based methods are being integrated alongside more traditional methodologies for data processing and supporting modeling activities.

Below is a brief overview of the main research activities:

• Quasi-static and fatigue tests, modeling using FE analysis, and residual life assessment of.
• Structural integrity of aerospace and mechanical components.
• Structural reliability under extreme loading conditions.
• Structural monitoring and prognostics.
• Structural integrity of railway components.