Structural and Particle Mechanics
Structural Mechanics
Principal Investigator
Eugenio Oñate
Overview
Research
Staff
Projects
Publications
The Structural Mechanics Group develops innovative numerical methods combining finite elements with particle-based techniques to analyze structures made of traditional and advanced materials, addressing multi-physics challenges across civil, aerospace, and transportation applications.
The Structural Mechanics Research Group at CIMNE focuses on the development of innovative numerical methods for analysing structural systems across a diverse range of materials, from traditional metals and concrete to advanced composites and hybrid materials. The group’s core expertise lies in creating and enhancing computational techniques that enable accurate prediction of structural behaviour under complex loading and environmental conditions.
The group employs a versatile computational toolkit that includes the finite element method (FEM) alongside various particle-based computational techniques, such as the discrete element method (DEM) and the particle finite element method (PFEM). A distinctive strength of their approach is the strategic combination of these methods to address multidisciplinary challenges in solid and structural mechanics.
This integrated methodology proves particularly effective for solving multi-physics problems involving thermal-mechanical coupling, fluid-soil-structure interaction, and frictional contact effects. By bridging traditional continuum-based approaches with particle methods, the group creates robust simulation frameworks capable of handling complex material behaviours, large deformations, and dynamic interactions between different physical phenomena.
The group’s research finds applications across numerous engineering sectors, including civil and environmental engineering structures, aerospace components, marine structures, structural elements in surface transport vehicles (cars, trucks, trains, ships), and critical infrastructure in the oil and gas industry. Through these applications, the Structural Mechanics Group contributes to advancing structural design capabilities, performance assessment, and safety analysis across multiple engineering disciplines.
Research areas
Advanced Simulation of Precision Machining
Objective
Enhance the machining processes through multi-scale simulations which consider material wear, temperature and microstructure.
Innovations
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- Digital Twin: Advanced simulation for process optimization.
- Sensorized Machines: Cloud connection for continuous data collection.
- Machine Learning: Accelerates predictions and improves parameter calibration accuracy.
Project Details
The OPTIPRO and OPTIREP projects focus on the development and implementation of digital twins to simulate and optimize rolling processes. Through the DENN-data platform, operational data from sensorized machines are collected and integrated into an advanced simulation environment. This enables greater accuracy in the calibration of part parameters, reducing human and material resources. Furthermore, the use of Machine Learning techniques expands the range of analysis and enhances prediction accuracy, optimizing the process in terms of time and cost.
Impact
Significant reduction of resources and increased efficiency, facilitating greater penetration of these technologies in the global market.
struct_dt1
Numerical modeling of the cylindrical rolling process
struct_dt2
Numerical modeling of the conical rolling process
Digital Twin for the Metalforming Industry
Objective
Optimize metal deformation processes by rotation (cylindrical rolling, conical rolling, and spinning).
Innovations
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- Digital Twin: Advanced simulation for process optimization.
- Sensorized Machines: Cloud connection for continuous data collection.
- Machine Learning: Accelerates predictions and improves parameter calibration accuracy.
Project Details
The OPTIPRO and OPTIREP projects focus on the development and implementation of digital twins to simulate and optimize rolling processes. Through the DENN-data platform, operational data from sensorized machines are collected and integrated into an advanced simulation environment. This enables greater accuracy in the calibration of part parameters, reducing human and material resources. Furthermore, the use of Machine Learning techniques expands the range of analysis and enhances prediction accuracy, optimizing the process in terms of time and cost.
Impact
Significant reduction of resources and increased efficiency, facilitating greater penetration of these technologies in the global market.
struct_dt1
Numerical modeling of the cylindrical rolling process
struct_dt2
Numerical modeling of the conical rolling process
Fatigue Simulation in the Automotive Industry: Fatigue4Light Project
Objective
Improve advanced fatigue simulation in electric vehicle chassis.
Innovations
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- Fatigue Evaluation: Accurate numerical simulations under various loading conditions.
- Reduction of Physical Prototypes: Optimization of component design and durability.
Project Details
The “Fatigue4Light” project, coordinated by CIMNE, has developed an innovative methodology to assess the fatigue of electric vehicle chassis components through numerical simulations. This technology optimizes the design and durability of components, reducing the need for physical prototypes and lowering both costs and development time. This approach highlights the potential of digital twins to enhance the efficiency and sustainability of electric vehicle production.
Impact
Reduced costs and development time, while improving efficiency and sustainability in electric vehicle production.”
Numerical modeling of the mechanical fatigue phenomenon
Particle Finite Element Method (PFEM) for multidisciplinary coupled problems in engineering
Applications to the modelling and simulation of environmental problems accounting for fluid-soil-structure interaction. (PIs: A. Franci & E. Oñate)
Finite element methods (FEM) for nonlinear analysis of solids and structures with standard and composite materials
Applications in the building and construction sector and the transport sector. (PIs: X. Martinez, F. Rastellini & E. Oñate)
Innovative interface elements for modelling discontinuities in solids
Applications to the flow in fractured porous media and delamination of composites. (PI: I. de Pouplana)
Particle Finite Element Method (PFEM) for multidisciplinary problems in solid mechanics
Applications to the modelling and simulation of machining and blanking processes in the manufacturing industry. (PIs: J. M. Carbonell. & E. Oñate)
Discrete element methods (DEM) for analysis of non-cohesive and cohesive materials
(PIs: M. A. Celigueta & E. Oñate)
Coupling of DEM, FEM and PFEM procedures
Applications to problems in ground excavation and tunnelling processes and the oil and gas industry. (PIs: M. A. Celigueta, G. Casas & I. de Pouplana)
Finite elements for analysis of plates and shells
Applications in the building and construction sector and the transport sector. (PIs: E. Oñate, F. Rastellini & J. M. González)
Innovative fatigue models accounting for coupled damage and plasticity effects for analysis of structures under high, medium and low cycling loads with the FEM
Applications to fatigue life prediction of metallic components and structures in the automotive industry and concrete structures in the building and construction sector. (PIs: L. Barbu & E. Oñate)
Modelling and simulation of the melting and burning of objects in fire
Applications to the analysis and design of fire retardant polymers. (PIs: J. Marti & E. Oñate)
Particle-based methods for analysis of particulate flows
Applications to the modelling and simulation of suspended particles in fluids. (PIs: S. Idelsohn, E. Oñate & G. Casas)
Numerical methods for accurate and fast solution of problems in continuum and structural mechanics
(PIs: E. Oñate & I. de Pouplana)
Featured Projects
PLCd – PLastic Crack dynamic
PLCd (PLastic Crack dynamic) is a finite element code designed for the numerical simulation of nonlinear dynamic behaviour in complex structural systems. It has been developed at the International Centre for Numerical Methods in Engineering (CIMNE) and the Department...
Finished projects
Ongoing projects
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