F. (Francesco) Maresca, Prof

I am leading a research group (Multi-Scale Mechanics / MSM) that focuses on:

(1) fundamental understanding of structure-property relationship in materials by multi-scale (atomistic and continuum) modelling methods for dislocation plasticity, phase transitions and fracture in alloys;

(2) application of multi-scale modelling approaches to address key challenges such as hydrogen embrittlement and liquid metal embrittlement of steels; functional fatigue of shape memory alloys; wear of zinc-based coatings; strength/ductility trade-off in complex concentrated ("high entropy") alloys.

My group is currently hosting one Postdoc, 4 Ph.D.s and several M.Sc. and B.Sc. students that investigate the breadth and depth of the above research challenges by using:

(1) Atomistic modelling approaches:
- Molecular Dynamics (MD);
- Density Functional Theory (DFT).

(2) Micromechanics modelling approaches:
- Crystal Plasticity (CP) based on Finite Element Method or spectral (FFT) solvers;
- Discrete Dislocation Plasticity (DDP) simulations (in collaboration with Prof. E. Van der Giessen);

(3) Scale-bridging techniques:
- Machine-learning (ML) techniques to develop DFT-accurate potentials for MD simulations;
- Computational homogenization techniques to determine macroscopic materials response based on micromechanics simulations.

I am recognized worldwide for my contributions to the field of multi-scale modeling of plasticity and damage initiation in multi-phase steels, for my work on atomistic and multi-scale modeling of martensitic transformations in steels, and for solute strengthening theory in body-centered-cubic high entropy alloys.

I have received, among others, the following recognitions:

(1) Biezeno award 2016 for Solid Mechanics: Best PhD thesis in Solid Mechanics in the Netherlands, granted by KIVI Mechanics &  Engineering Mechanics Graduate School; 

(2) Young Academic’s award 2016 for “the best PhD thesis in Europe in the field of metallurgy and materials science of steels” (granted by Stahlinstitut VDEh Düsseldorf, Germany)

(3) I was nominated Emerging Leader 2021 by the Editorial Board of the journal Modelling and Simulation in Materials Science and Engineering.