Experimental & Computational Mechanics of Composites, Adhesive Joints and Architected Metamaterials

Our research group at the University of Rijeka (Croatia) specialises in experimental and computational mechanics of advanced materials and structures. Our core expertise includes fracture and failure mechanics of composites and adhesive joints, architected metamaterials and structural integrity.

We develop physics-based analytical and numerical models to predict the initiation and propagation of damage in composites, adhesive joints, and architected materials. Our expertise includes finite element modelling, cohesive zone modelling, beam- and plate-based formulations, multiscale approaches, and inverse identification of constitutive and fracture parameters. These models are rigorously validated through dedicated experimental programmes involving material characterisation, quasi-static and dynamic fracture testing, full-field deformation measurements, and structural-scale validation.

I was a Marie Skłodowska-Curie Individual Fellow at Brunel University London (2016–2018) and currently supervise a postdoctoral researcher through the Croatian DIGIT programme, funded under the Seal of Excellence scheme following a successful MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowships 2024 evaluation.

I am interested in joining MSCA Doctoral Networks as a beneficiary or partner in projects related to computational and experimental mechanics, advanced materials, composites, architected materials, structural engineering and interdisciplinary doctoral training. Our group can contribute through research supervision, advanced modelling, experimental validation and collaboration with academic and industrial partners.